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WMSC updates oversight: AWIS de-emphasized, ATO monitoring continues, and RWP training shows improvement
Summary
Staff told commissioners WMATA no longer plans to use AWIS for back‑to‑back wheel measurements, WMSC continues to monitor automated train operation and 7,000/8,000‑series issues, and corrective action work has improved roadway worker protection training and smoke/fire reporting.
WMSC staff reported a series of oversight updates, including a notable change in Metro’s approach to automated inspection, ongoing monitoring of automated train operation (ATO), and progress on corrective action plans for roadway worker protection (RWP) training and smoke/fire reporting.
On automated wayside inspection systems, WMSC staff said WMATA recently indicated it no longer intends to use AWIS for back‑to‑back wheel measurements — a safety‑critical use that had driven WMSC’s in‑depth review of the project. "In the past week, WMATA has indicated that it no longer intends to use AWIS for back to back wheel measurements," the systems engineering lead reported. WMATA plans to continue improved manual back‑to‑back processes using trained personnel and calibrated digital gauges; WMSC said it will press to understand AWIS’s future role and how system data will inform safety‑critical determinations.
Staff also updated commissioners on automated train operation. ATO is back in service systemwide, but station overruns remain elevated at specific locations and some challenges are tied to the 7000‑series fleet. WMSC staff noted WMATA is expanding a test deployment of a software update (version 6.2) from 32 to 64 railcars to evaluate mitigation measures and WMSC will monitor the outcomes.
In corrective action plans, staff described improvements in roadway worker protection training after a 2024 audit found instructors bypassing required material and inconsistent course delivery. WMATA revised instructor guides, retrained instructors, instituted quarterly audits and feedback forms, and WMSC verification found trainers now covering required materials. The commission also praised WMATA’s improved smoke/fire reporting: in an April review of 34 sampled events between December 2025 and January (sample window noted in the presentation), WMATA met its five‑minute reporting target in 94% of cases; WMSC has requested follow-up on a single seven‑minute noncompliant event at West Falls Church.
