Metro engineers want what New York, Chicago and San Francisco subway systems have: a special track to test trains.

 

Transit authority officials are looking at building a 10,000 to 15,000-foot long track to test rail cars, and train track inspectors, train operators and other employees. They are eyeing two locations: between New Carrollton and Landover rail stations or between Greenbelt and College Park stations.

 

New and overhauled trains are currently tested when the system is closed and during non-rush hours, which requires trains to share one track, delaying riders.  

 

 “As the fleet grows we’ll need to conduct more tests and training. A dedicated track would mean fewer delays for passengers and is more efficient for employees to conduct testing and training,” said Dan Hanlon, chief vehicles engineer. There are 952 rail cars in the fleet and an additional 184 are scheduled to arrive by the end of next year.

 

Metro used to test equipment on an unopened revenue track between King Street and Van Dorn stations until 1989, but that came to an end with the opening of the Van Dorn station.

 

An internal study of the costs and potential locations are expected to be finished by May. 

 

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