Metro News Release

For immediate release: August 14, 2008

Regular Red Line service resumes through Metro Center

Trains are again moving smoothly on the Red Line today (Thursday, August 14) following an early-morning track fire at Metro Center. There were no injuries.

Red Line trains were not permitted to pass through the station for about 20 minutes from about 7:15 to 7:35 a.m. today after a report of a small electrical fire on the tracks headed in the direction of Glenmont. Once the fire was extinguished, trains shared the other track between Judiciary Square and Dupont Metrorail stations to help move riders through the affected area. Trains resumed using both tracks at 8:20 a.m.

Red Line riders experienced major delays throughout the morning as a result of the incident. Residual delays are expected to continue through rush hour.

Free shuttle buses were available at Farragut North, Gallery Place-Chinatown and Metro Center to help move riders around the incident. Riders had long waits for buses as they had to travel through rush hour traffic. Additionally, one trainload of customers can carry 800 passengers, and a shuttle bus can only carry about 50 passengers.

Metro Center also serves the Orange and Blue Lines. Those lines were not affected.

News release issued at 8:39 am, August 14, 2008.