WTOP radio 12/12/17:
Metro acknowledges smoother rides would be better, but don’t expect them soon
WASHINGTON — More than eight years after a deadly Red Line crash led Metro to turn off smoother automatic train operation, agency documents indicate there is a long way to go before the system turns back on — if it is reactivated at all.
Documents prepared for a Metro Board committee meeting Thursday acknowledge many maintenance and rider benefits from the automated system, but raise potential concerns about turning it back on. Those concerns are due to be addressed by an outside consultant starting next year.
“Manual operation is less efficient and contributes an inconsistent, ‘jerky’ ride for passengers due to sudden increases in speed and sudden braking. This also creates added wear on train components, thus increasing maintenance costs,” the documents said.
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In April 2015, Metro announced it would begin a trial of a return to automatic operations on the Red Line, but the test was quietly stopped soon after it began “due to more pressing concerns.” That testing was only for eight-car trains in one direction.
Related topic:
WMATA: Some Redline trains resuming automatic train operation