Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 29, 2010

Downed power lines continue to affect Red Line service

41 customers escorted safely from stopped train

The Red Line is currently split into two segments due to PEPCO utility power lines that fell onto the tracks near the Silver Spring Metrorail station at about 3:50 p.m. today, July 29. Metro is waiting for PEPCO to remove the lines from the tracks before normal service can resume.

Red Line trains are operating in two segments, between the Glenmont and Forest Glen Metrorail stations and between the Silver Spring and Shady Grove Metrorail stations. There is no train service between Silver Spring and Forest Glen Metrorail stations.

To help people get around the affected area, Metro is providing free shuttle bus service between the Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont Metrorail stations. People should keep in mind that a shuttle bus can only carry 50 people while a full train can carry 800 to 1,000 people. There are long waits for shuttle buses. Due to emergency vehicles in the area around the Forest Glen Metrorail station, shuttle buses are available a short distance from the station at Georgia Avenue and Forest Glen Road. People can also take Metrobus routes Y8 and Q2 to get around the incident.

As a result of the downed power line, a six-car train headed downtown with 41 customers on board was stopped on the tracks to ensure the safety of the customers and employees on board. Metro was able to escort those passengers onto a rescue train at about 6:20 p.m. after PEPCO de-energized the wires and it was deemed safe to do so. The passengers were returned to the Forest Glen Metrorail station at about 6:45 p.m.

News release issued at 6:58 pm, July 29, 2010.