Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 20, 2012

Metro rail car investigation continues

Metro is investigating the cause of an incident yesterday in which a railcar part was found alongside Red Line tracks.

Metro became aware of the detached part yesterday afternoon when track inspectors found it near Rhode Island Station during routine inspection. There were no injuries, and rail service was not affected. There was no report of the part detachment from customers, the train operator or other employees.

The part, a friction ring, showed no signs of failure. However, bolts that attach the part to the railcar were broken, giving investigators an initial indication of a possible cause.

The railcar from which the part came has been removed from service. Metro’s investigation into the factors contributing to friction ring detachments is ongoing, and includes review of the track infrastructure, the track-wheel interface, and the equipment design under current operating conditions. Meanwhile, the agency continues stepped up daily inspections of rail equipment.

News release issued at 10:31 am, June 20, 2012.