[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6144993,"mediaKeyId","5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b","parentId",5533220,"title","WMSC adopts investigation reports after staff detail wrong-side door openings, ATP cut-out and a track trespass injury","audioSeconds",2047,"startMs",4623000,"endMs",6670000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b&start=4623&end=6670","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b/thumbnail_4623000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6144993/Virginia/WMSC-adopts-investigation-reports-after-staff-detail-wrong-side-door-openings-ATP-cut-out-and-a-track-trespass-injury","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144993-7cdf45f158b927c0483814fefcb66ac6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582843&Signature=f6vIvVaTPP81GRtYe7~9qQiH~5QdhEwBft4JLacmyEfubP7R17Ri7gIBtnlZlLPzDnWCKXZ0ZJ-7YQWNzsctGK9SpqOckGjCPZlXB827WoShOnlq6ok8KB4~-IkCr0xVahJMHML5-g4i2oyvl-tunWxwrRpA1zAi1CLagIxJgXlaENY3VIrdbHGL4JBPQdTv9jMzQLCRN6YvXixUI6T21ooMxxru9lB3sjjCTHrufst1gkKjK5tu6DzDbo3Rsp~6qMjRtv1-PA6oD2NCDvWDNN5QATxyj-GnVTGX0TFCpABBO2ZY5708Zu0zzArNkAjFt2zsl9u8c1RQdpP6GIpT4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington Metrorail Safety Commission","date","2025-08-05T20:53:07.89Z","article","The Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission reviewed and adopted a set of investigation reports on Aug. 19, 2025 that documented operational safety events including improper door operations during automatic door operation, a train that operated in passenger service with automatic train protection (ATP) cut out, and a person who intentionally entered the track and was struck.

WMSC staff reported that, in 2024, Metro reported 25 improper door-operation events and that as of July 15, 2025, 18 such events had been reported so far in 2025 (an increase from 10 during the same period the prior year). The reported causes included loss of situational awareness, noncompliance with written rules and procedures, and operator errors while operating in automatic door operation (ADO). Examples presented included wrong-side door openings caused when an operator manually opened doors on the non-platform side or opened doors after improper berthing.

Metrorail implemented several immediate corrective actions after the events, including refresher training for involved personnel, a personnel notice reminding operators to use the point-and-call method, operator outreach, and compliance checks. WMSC staff also noted engineering mitigations elsewhere in the meeting, including efforts to disable an operator's station-stop cancel button on some legacy railcar series where it has no operational use.

In a separate investigation (Whiskey0389), WMSC staff described an ATP cut-out event on Nov. 14, 2024. A maintenance mechanic had inadvertently sealed an ATP toggle in the cut-out position on railcar 3057. That car was coupled into a train that later entered passenger service with ATP cut out; operators and yard staff did not notice the ATP indication on the console and control-center AIM displays did not catch the cut-out status in time. The issue was discovered in service; Metro removed the train from service and reinforced pre-trip inspection procedures. WMSC staff identified multiple human-performance failures across car maintenance, yard operations, operator pre-trip inspections and control-center monitoring.

The commission also heard Whiskey0390: a Silver Line train struck an individual who deliberately entered the tracks at Federal Triangle on April 28, 2024. The individual was extricated with non-life-threatening injuries; Metro Transit Police and DC Fire and EMS were notified and responded. WMSC staff said Metro's incident management procedures were reviewed and refresher training for control-center incident management was implemented.

After the presentations, the commission moved to adopt the set of investigation reports Whiskey0384 through Whiskey0390. The motion carried unanimously: 6 yays, 0 nays. WMSC staff indicated the adopted reports would be posted on the commission's website.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WMSC Public Meeting of the Commissioners August 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","WMSC staff presented a set of safety-investigation reports describing a rise in improper door operations while trains were in automatic door operation, an ATP cut-out incident that allowed a train to run in passenger service with ATP disabled, and a person intentionally entering tracks and being struck; the commission voted to adopt the reports.","taxTitle","Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, Boards and Commissions, Executive, Virginia","taxId",36469,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6144998,"WMSC audit finds widespread gaps in roadway-worker protection training records; near-miss highlights risks",5443,816000,6259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b&start=816&end=6259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6144998/Virginia/WMSC-audit-finds-widespread-gaps-in-roadway-worker-protection-training-records-near-miss-highlights-risks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6144998-c1c79700db4e2b3efdc88133039e0e8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582843&Signature=o9PG3xOw~iLZ-hAbTVKESbfP2B0WqlPyjeuyI-VVcaYxAGtyCHiMDXF0PKS540kKPOU~LPNv4a-1JHmuaoy4uEOurIogAn94NcFnmzeC7tONknCSh9gGFmApxxoV-ubEcDGu82UtGNswxmLBlS7N6D~wwCaw3PyfRoaQUE4LPtHrrj1nNP0vaF9CC9CojApiraNYKTtvGscC6RkG1k~MI1ipbUh0xFWQw7vNRA2InEkm2oPVbS7jT9xr~MPxuLcPI~ntSlQoj0xPZi4wsGzKwRlUDg2e5Am2LEGs3uXwwtwhHmBr4hcAuzJaoVGgzkPyngVCBIfq-kJgA1IHrVFcMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","WMSC staff reported on Aug. 19, 2025, that a records review during the track, structures and roadway worker protection audit found many deficiencies in training and qualification documentation for WMATA's Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) program, and commissioners were briefed on a near-miss at Shady Grove in which a train did not stop for a briefing at an advanced mobile flagger location.

Auditors told the meeting WMATA classifies three RWP levels; Level 4 personnel are designated roadway workers in charge and are responsible for supervising worksite safety. According to WMATA records cited by WMSC staff, as of July 15 there are 1,246 RWP Level 4 employees. WMSC staff sampled records and found many records incomplete or nonconforming with WMATA's written requirements.

WMSC staff said WMATA reviewed a larger sample of 294 training records and reported two problem groups: among Level 4 employees who had only received initial qualification, WMSC staff reported that 88 percent (130 individuals in the sample) did not have training records that supported the stated Level 4 qualification; among employees who had received Level 4 requalification, WMATA's sampling indicated about 9 percent (120 individuals) did not have records supporting requalification. WMATA committed to fully retest the 130 individuals in the initial-qualification group over 90 days starting in late August and to review the full requalification population over the next month to determine next steps.

Separately, WMSC presented a near-miss (investigation Whiskey0388) on Oct. 10, 2024, at Shady Grove Station. A contractor acting as an advanced mobile flagger (AMF) set required lanterns and briefed operators but a train operator did not stop at the ACAR marker and proceeded without receiving the required briefing. The AMF waved and sounded an air horn, transmitted emergency radio to the rail traffic controller, and the mobile inspection crew moved to safety; the train operator reduced speed and was later removed from service for post-event toxicology testing. No injuries or damage were reported.

Commission staff said contractors performing AMF roles are required to take the same RWP Level 2 training as WMATA employees. \"To be an advanced mobile flagger, you need to take the current RWP Level 2 training,\" a WMSC staff member said; WMATA contractor employees assigned as AMFs take the same class and practical exercises as WMATA personnel.

WMSC staff said the audit remains in progress and the commission is pursuing legal relief in a separate fitness-for-duty and occupational health records matter where WMATA has not provided requested documents. The RWP corrective action plan C0280 remains open with an expected completion date of October 2026.","WMSC staff reported that many WMATA roadway-worker-in-charge records lack documentation of required training and qualifications; Metro will retest affected employees and is addressing a Shady Grove near-miss involving an advanced mobile flagger.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145003,"WMSC grants ATO concurrence systemwide but flags station overruns, tracks fixes and AWIS delays",185,1727000,1912000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b&start=1727&end=1912","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b/thumbnail_1727000.jpg","/articles/6145003/Virginia/WMSC-grants-ATO-concurrence-systemwide-but-flags-station-overruns-tracks-fixes-and-AWIS-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145003-4e49c3fded99e356a6c51c775a944718/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582843&Signature=EDHYV3~aiLiyMRzkwzEMSTjChF3~mR07n2TLFjSfmznGMAf12~VdWif21IZ5QK4RDs2hn8qgeCRKEU3KfYre896ECSwS59fKwFZxwGFe0gPdHMflhYrAmz2o3SyMnYP-Zl4bxC-hJK8QpDnsiKIAo477BigcWmf5LJKaI7XAqSBMpgBLijZI5qV3QyN5sS2uSd8nflgo8K6Gfst42SI6BWFkUjvPdwaoChAMjYa7ndODKykZBKDGQygArwirl~wODacQNr7mxjc5103BqlGkygshHtLdlX~1z~U6qxNlKwZxOF7fZPB4-b3NmlDqTUOuRSIziBUb-oH17~utVTiJNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission told commissioners on Aug. 19, 2025, that it has concurred with MetroRail's activation of automatic train operation (ATO) systemwide but remains closely monitoring station overruns and several safety-certification projects.

WMSC staff reported that the commission concurred on May 20, 2025, to use ATO in passenger service on the green and yellow lines and on June 12, 2025, to expand ATO to the blue, orange and silver lines; ATO passenger service began on June 15, 2025 for the blue, orange and silver lines. The commission said monitoring focuses on station-stop accuracy, trends, and the durability of mitigations WMATA has implemented.

Paul Smith, WMSC director of systems engineering, reported line-level overrun counts since activation: red (322 overruns, longest-running ATO), silver 93, orange 88, blue 53, yellow 54, green 45. For a July 1'Aug. 1 window, staff reported silver 53, orange 45, red 34, blue 28, yellow 17 and green 15 overruns. The staff presentation identified Minnesota Avenue (orange line) as a hot spot (17 overruns in a reviewed period).

WMSC and WMATA have pursued several corrective actions to reduce overruns: third-rail end-approach alignment adjustments (observed at Smithsonian Station), repositioning marker coils with a maintenance jig to improve alignment, railcar original-equipment-manufacturer software and hardware support, operator retraining and compliance checks, and temporary speed restrictions at certain platform approaches (WMATA has converted some of these to permanent reductions where effective). WMSC staff said that since WMATA adjusted the third-rail end approach at Smithsonian on July 23, there have been three station overruns at that location; prior to that adjustment, WMATA had reported 18 overruns across the three recently activated lines at that site.

Smith also outlined other certification items: the automatic wayside inspection system (AWIS) remains delayed by calibration, power and technical issues; AWIS will provide back-to-back wheel measurements to detect wheelset alignment problems that contributed to the 10/21/2021 7,000-series derailment, but the project currently has 25 outstanding safety-review items that \"must be addressed before the system can be safety certified.\" WMSC staff will attend AWIS training to observe data collection and processing.

On railcar design, WMATA has submitted preliminary safety-certification documents for the 8,000-series railcars; WMSC staff said they requested the full preliminary design review package and will provide feedback by a stated August deadline (materials were not yet received).

Smith said WMATA is also pursuing software changes that move key antenna and calibration data from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory on certain railcar series to improve antenna performance and stopping accuracy. The WMSC said it will continue weekly data meetings with WMATA and evaluate whether additional conditions are needed to keep operations safe.

\"We will continue to analyze the data, track the results of mitigation measures, and determine whether additional safety conditions are necessary,\" Smith told commissioners.","WMSC concurred with WMATA to expand automatic train operation systemwide but staff reported persistent station overruns, identified mitigations (third-rail and marker-coil work, speed adjustments, software fixes), and noted delays in deploying the automatic wayside inspection system and pending 8,000-series documentation.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145008,"WMSC closes six corrective-action plans after Metro completes bridge load ratings and upgrades records",151,1679000,1830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b&start=1679&end=1830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6145008/Virginia/WMSC-closes-six-corrective-action-plans-after-Metro-completes-bridge-load-ratings-and-upgrades-records","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145008-c8db95a27cb88d36a466b5d57d66fd57/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582843&Signature=CxWsxg4izCLR2YS2-VoljkjwfNBsnUM0kTH8engW216zSH~u3ZVQRv1qP9qR1OrDx1e2ZMr5HoRei6B6V6LSvGe894CikpMEFiDcbeee8Ul5PkxXzfffmpjWWTTaXhCiAPI735FGvj~s8pdWLc3lZouP1njs3xQaamj48OOeeG03hlfBC0I4His4EDaASoLtyM25cD~Vvz1A8vgPO6Ab7q1Q7uI2DDBzNiGngk-j1rqCPdRspbMS02NUx2hwcvaHbpeaN4ygjAlaqlvOzsdqzvWriuKungvj25ILDsly38ZoOnLx7aarEn9UvOVl6WDBP1DwuwWHofFu0Sy1peaEaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission reported on Aug. 19, 2025, that six corrective action plans reached final closure after Metro completed a series of engineering, records, and maintenance updates, most notably completing load ratings for elevated structures.

Commission staff told the meeting that Metro completed the remaining 84 load-rating calculations cited in a WMSC notice of noncompliance issued in October 2024, bringing the inventory to 161 structures after Silver Line phase 2 additions. Each load rating is a professional-engineer-stamped engineering calculation based on original design documents and current condition reports; WMSC said many submittals exceeded 100 pages and the agency sampled seven structures to verify Metro's calculations.

Ashley, a WMSC corrective-action staff presenter, said the independent review confirmed Metro now knows the loading capacity for each bridge and aerial structure. \"Now that Metro has completed its baseline load ratings, if there was ever a seismic event requiring a check on the structure or the future use of a heavier railcar series, it's now an easy task for Metro to determine whether the structure is safe based on the changed variables,\" she said.

Staff also reported Metro implemented an electronic occupational-health system that went live in January 2025. The new system produced trend reports and compliance data for medical issues such as obstructive sleep apnea and allowed Metro to analyze trends by department and track exam expirations, a capability not possible with prior paper files.

Other closed items included updates to preventive maintenance instructions to add achievable tolerances (Metro revised 60 manuals after consulting original equipment manufacturers); new maintenance procedures and gap analyses for communications assets (seven missing preventive-maintenance instructions were created); a training dashboard giving supervisors direct access to mechanics' training records; and a centralized repository and standardized curriculum for roadway maintenance machine operator training.

Commission staff emphasized that CAP closure does not end WMSC monitoring: \"Closure is not the end of the WMSC's monitoring, but it does mean that both MetroRail and the WMSC have achieved the desired corrective action,\" staff said. The WMSC will continue to observe durability through inspections and audits.

Staff provided implementation details: a WMSC independent professional engineer sampled seven structures; Metro's inventory grew from an initial 148 to 161 structures after Silver Line phase 2; an electronic health system went live in January 2025 and produced usable trend reports by June; and CAP C0280 (roadway worker protection) remains open with an expected completion date of October 2026 for broader RWP requirements.","The WMSC reported closure of six corrective action plans after Metro completed load ratings for elevated structures, moved fitness-for-duty records to an electronic system, and updated maintenance instructions and training access.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145011,"WMSC study says Metro’s radio modernization delays jeopardize communications; urges prioritized finish and oversight",698,602000,1300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b&start=602&end=1300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5533220-82b0513cc71eda12dbdfee2eef27bb3b/thumbnail_602000.jpg","/articles/6145011/Virginia/WMSC-study-says-Metros-radio-modernization-delays-jeopardize-communications-urges-prioritized-finish-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145011-29dfa9ce61a9a94c032ab682609e3d68/orig.mp4?Expires=1773582843&Signature=LLLsCYo675KB56oqSkXueAMAU4n1vFOQS5WeCVX3UFWm95Gj5EExu8dCdUw1~qn2QxsUJxyovR5DPlTNcuwBaZ-Xl7Bxe89Tnzp6p9TQyUToww2eGwcDI1ilF6IRGkzIae0G98EshVo~oj~UOw6TOvcVpvGfvTo45NL8d6J0NvtdUM-rnxAVeDPjXAlpfQwO2Z8FDEhWT5ouR1IKWjvxlstSwxyL84WiVOUoZIXUyFkLcQEqvbzc9Bzr6UFQkZsCSjQIqKzS6d9Wk7xbdbWXFQwmYv1IHx010u4t96cDNIwQhKDjNpdfHpUL~K2AGX7wISkgsLiW-tj-0BP1juMMvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington Metro Rail Safety Commission released a special study on Aug. 19, 2025, concluding that repeated delays to WMATA's radio-band and infrastructure replacement project have left MetroRail with inconsistent and unintelligible radio coverage that has contributed to safety investigations and complicated emergency response.

The study, presented to commissioners by WMSC staff, found the radio modernization project has cost $569,400,000 to date and is now forecast to finish in 2027. The report identified four principal causes of delay early in the program: cellular infrastructure work prioritized radio work (about a two-year impact), the need to redesign fiber for redundancy (about another two years), scope creep where fiber work was combined with unrelated projects (roughly six months), and pandemic-related work restrictions (about six months).

WMSC staff said the agency identified 64 investigation reports that cited radio or communications issues for events between April 2019 and July 2024, and 15 systemwide radio outages between Feb. 1 and April 24 (year not specified in the draft). The study concluded those failures have affected operational safety and emergency response and recommended that WMATA continue to prioritize completion of the radio modernization project. The WMSC also recommended that oversight authorities such as WMATA's Office of Inspector General \"take note of issues with this radio project and the project's progress to date and provide any additional oversight necessary,\" language included in the study.

Paul Smith, WMSC director of systems engineering, summarized the technical consequences and reiterated that the study focused on the planned future 700 megahertz system while a separate audit looks at currently used 400 megahertz systems. \"Nonfunctioning radio coverage creates serious safety concerns,\" WMSC staff said in the meeting record when describing the study's rationale.

The report compared WMATA's program to a large North American railroad project (BNSF) to illustrate how radio infrastructure programs must manage multi-jurisdictional, integrated infrastructure and federal coordination challenges. In addition to urging WMATA to maintain its renewed management focus on completing the project, the WMSC recommended oversight bodies watch the program and that WMATA provide scheduling and progress documentation so the safety benefit of radio modernization can be realized sooner.

The WMSC issued the special study publicly on Aug. 18, 2025, after providing WMATA a draft for review. The commission said it will continue to track implementation of mitigation steps and expects to include the findings of the study in ongoing audits and corrective action plan monitoring.

Next steps cited in the meeting record include continuing WMSC oversight, tracking WMATA progress on fiber and infrastructure completion, and follow-up by oversight offices noted in the study.","A WMSC special study found repeated delays in WMATA's radio modernization project, linked those delays to safety investigations and outages, and recommended WMATA prioritize completion and asked oversight bodies to monitor progress.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

WMSC adopts investigation reports after staff detail wrong-side door openings, ATP cut-out and a track trespass injury

WMSC audit finds widespread gaps in roadway-worker protection training records; near-miss highlights risks

WMSC grants ATO concurrence systemwide but flags station overruns, tracks fixes and AWIS delays

WMSC closes six corrective-action plans after Metro completes bridge load ratings and upgrades records

WMSC study says Metro’s radio modernization delays jeopardize communications; urges prioritized finish and oversight