Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 17, 2009

Blue/Yellow Line delays expected through end of the day

Train speeds restricted on Wednesday due to communication cable problem

Due to a problem with train communication lines in the area of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Braddock Road Metrorail stations along the Blue and Yellow Lines, Metrorail trains will be operating slower than usual through that area throughout the remainder of the day, Wednesday, June 17.

The communication link sends signals between the train, track and Operations Control Center and is a vital tool for operating trains.

Trips from downtown toward the Franconia-Springfield and Huntington Metrorail stations may take 20 to 30 minutes longer than usual as a result of the slower-moving trains. There also may be a carry-over in delays to the Orange/Blue line as well, although delays on those overlapping lines will not be as lengthy.

Trains will be operated in manual mode at 15 to 20 mph instead of the more typical 45 to 48 mph in that lengthy stretch of track.

Metro officials, who discovered the problem when the rail system opened this morning, are working to correct the problem, and expect that service will return to normal on Thursday morning, although it is possible that repairs could be in place late Wednesday evening.

Customers may consider taking a bus instead of using the rail system. Bus schedules are posted on Metro’s Web site at http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/


Media contact for this news release: Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.

News release issued at 2:42 pm, June 17, 2009.