WMSC monitors ATO overruns and rough‑ride reports; designates RTC/button consolidation project for in‑depth review

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission provided updates on automatic train operation station overruns and reported passenger complaints and staff observations of “rough‑ride” vehicle behavior since the system resumed higher design speeds.

ATO overruns: staff analysis and mitigation

WMSC staff reported cumulative station overrun counts by line since each entered ATO service. The earlier‑activated red line has the highest cumulative overruns (reported as 380), while silver (161), orange (134) and blue (95) lines — the most recently activated ATO lines — also recorded substantial overruns. Staff said the green and yellow lines reported fewer overruns (76 and 66 respectively) and that last year’s total system overruns were 250, most from manual operation before the red line activation.

Staff described a multilayered mitigation approach: temporary speed restrictions at high‑incidence stations, repositioning marker coils and third‑rail approach adjustments to reduce spurious RF emissions that can interfere with ATO marker coil detection, software and hardware updates with OEM support, and enhanced operator training and revised operating policies. Staff said they maintain weekly data reviews and field inspections to evaluate whether mitigation is reducing overruns.

Rough‑ride reports and vehicle dynamics

Commission staff and several commissioners reported recent rough‑ride events: high‑amplitude vibrations and jolts reported on higher‑speed segments, including on revenue runs on the Orange and Silver lines. Vice Chair Lavi described two personal incidents of severe vibration at higher speed near East Falls Church and said he reported the car numbers to Metro. Staff confirmed they are tracking rider reports, social media posts and staff recordings and have had meetings with Metro to investigate potential causes. Staff said one working hypothesis involves wheel‑/wheelset condition and dynamic interactions at particular diameters or with worn wheel profiles that can produce out‑of‑round behavior and resonant vibration at higher speeds; staff said Metro is also examining track and vehicle interactions in affected locations. The WMSC emphasized it is monitoring MetroRail’s investigation and requested more data from Metro.

Safety certification items: 8,000‑series and RTC/button consolidation

The WMSC reported it is conducting an in‑depth safety certification review of MetroRail’s 8,000‑series railcars; staff said Metro provided partial documentation and that WMSC requested additional documents and dates when drafts will be finalized so the oversight review can proceed.

Separately, the WMSC designated MetroRail’s rail traffic control (RTC)/button controller consolidation project for in‑depth review under the program standard. Staff said Metro may not implement changes to current RTC and button controller assignments without WMSC concurrence; the commission cited the project’s operational complexity and the need to validate hazard mitigations for consolidated control functions.

Ending

Staff said they will continue weekly overrun data analysis, field inspections and technical follow up on rough‑ride reports and that they will press Metro for more complete certification documentation for the 8,000‑series and for full project documentation for the RTC consolidation project before allowing implementation.