Blue and Yellow line trains will depart every 15 minutes to accommodate repair work after a 7000-series train hit debris and derailed Friday morning, according to a news release from Metro.
“The investigation into the derailment continues, but Metro found that the wheel measurements on the 7000-series train were consistent with its specifications and there were no apparent track or infrastructure defects, as a preliminary matter,” the news release said.
Metro and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission are eyeing a “disc brake that came loose” apparently from a 3000-series car “as a causal factor,” according to the release.
Metro removed all 2000- and 3000-series railcars from service. So far, Metro said mechanical teams have inspected 102 cars and found 32 with non-conforming bolts.
The aging 2000- and 3000-series cars are expected to be replaced by new 8000-series railcars.
“I am proud of the team for delivering solid service while tackling this challenge with our 35-year-old equipment,” Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said in a news release.
The transit agency didn’t say when it expects repairs to be finished to allow normal Metro service to return.
