Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 2, 2009
Snow impacting Metro services
Metrobus, MetroAccess delayed due to snow
The Metrorail system is operating on or near schedule today, however Metrobuses and MetroAcess trips are delayed due to heavy snow on the roads.
Over night the transit agency kept empty trains running across the outdoor tracks to keep them clear of snow. Today customers will see trains equipped with de-icing equipment being used on all five lines.
Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots, 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms and hundreds of snow-trained employees who have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces.
Metrorail
Throughout the day Metro will have up to 20 trains equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the electrified third rail, which must be clear to allow electricity to flow to move the trains. Trains will be available to operate in regular passenger service on all rail lines with some trains being used to deice the tracks in rail yards. These trains will be placed in service during morning rush hour and will be available to operate throughout the day if conditions warrant.
The de-icing equipment is neither dangerous nor flammable, and passengers should not be concerned that it is aboard their train. If they prefer not to be in a rail car with the equipment, they can move to another rail car. Those same trains also will have special scrapers to help keep ice off of the third rail. If ice builds up on the third rail, it does not allow for the free flow of electricity from the rail to power the train.
Metro will use "heater tape," which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape, which has been in use throughout the winter, is a cable clipped onto the third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark to keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.
Metro railcar maintenance staff has also "hardened" its fleet of rail cars by protecting the undercarriage motors from snow ingestion and electrical short circuits that are caused by water/snow and debris. The traction motors have been coated with a protective material to help prevent the ingestion of snow and water.
Metrobus
Passengers encountered detours and delays due to road conditions. Buses picked up passengers on snow emergency routes and main streets throughout much of the day, but by the late afternoon service returned to normal.
MetroAccess
MetroAccess will operate as road conditions dictate, so passengers should expect detours and delays due to changing road conditions. Passengers are encouraged to reschedule non-essential trips, monitor weather conditions and plan their travel accordingly.
How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions
There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available at www.metroopensdoors.com on the left side of the home page or by calling Metro at 202-637-7000. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.
News release issued at 5:53 am, March 2, 2009.