Frequently Asked Questions (Auto Doors)

What does Auto Doors mean to Metro customers?

Customers can exit trains faster and get to their final destination.
Auto Doors technology will open Metro train doors within about five seconds - that's 10-15 seconds faster than manual mode.
The seconds saved quickly add up to make for a faster, more efficient customer train ride.

How will Auto Doors maximize Metro's safety with efficiency?

Auto Doors at Metro will feature an auto-open, manual-close combo to maximize safety with efficiency.
Auto Doors mitigates the potential of doors opening on the wrong side.
Auto-open with manual-close means the train operator will still look outside their cab window to ensure that everyone has safely exited or boarded the train, before closing the doors.

How much faster will Metro train doors open?

Metro's Auto Doors will open within about five seconds of the train stopping at the platform.
Metro's Auto Doors will save customers 10-15 seconds per stop.
The seconds saved at each station add up to help customers reach a connecting train, escalator, or elevator, faster.

What does Auto Doors mean to Metro, organizationally?

The Metro system was designed from day one to utilize automatic door operation, or Auto Doors. Upgrading the Auto Doors technology, and putting it back in service, means Metro is delivering a better customer experience,
While restoring a previous feature, Auto Doors marks a technological milestone for Metro's modernization initiatives.

Why did it take so long to get here?

Any metrorail or subway system, half a century old or older, has reached a point for major upgrades.
Today's infrastructure updates mean old machinery, railcars, and physical structures must talk to modern technology. The technological compatibility between older infrastructure and newer computer systems is often not an immediate match during upgrades.

What is Auto Doors operator certification?

Certification is the final piece in the Auto Doors operation training for an already experienced operator.
During certification, an experienced, trained operator is observed using Auto Door technology to: Properly stop along the station platform (berth the train), then utilize automatic door operation mode to safely and quickly open train doors for customers to exit and be on their way.
Already experienced means Metro has a workforce of trained operators in service who regularly undergo continuing training as do most professionals - Auto Doors is an additional operations mode they've been trained in.

What can customers expect if they are on a train with an operator who is being certified?

They will notice the doors open within about five seconds. Opening in Auto Doors will seem almost instantaneous once the train has come to a safe stop on the station platform.

Will they notice the operator?

As on any other day, depending on where customers sit or stand on the train or platform, they might notice the train operator in the cab. During certification, customers might notice a rail supervisor in the cab with the train operator.

Will the ride feel different?

No, a train ride with Auto Doors will not feel different, however customers will have a better experience when they first notice how quickly Auto Doors open.

Will there be an automated or human voice announcing Auto Doors?

Customers may hear the regular message to stand clear of the doors, but they'll hear it more quickly with Auto Doors.

When will operator certification take place?