WMATA Pulls Older Cars Off Tracks

After several incidents where the doors opened while a Metro train was under way, all of its older 4000-series railcars have been removed from service, transit authorities say.

Less than two weeks ago a video was posted by a rider of a D.C. Metro train’s doors open while the train traveled between Metro Center and Farragut North, reports WTOP. That video was posted to Unsuck DC Metro’s Facebook page.

“In an abundance of caution for the safety of our customers, Metro has temporarily removed all 4000-series railcars from service for safety inspections,” the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said on its website Wednesday. “This action is a result of recent incidents where trains were reported to experience door problems while in service.”

The safety review of the cars is expected to continue through the weekend. If no systemic safety problems are identified, the 4000-series cars should go back in service next week, WMATA says.

Riders will notice the lack of eight-car trains on the Red, Blue, Orange and Green lines during rush hour periods for the remainder of the week.

The 4000-series is Metro’s smallest railcar fleet, with 100 cars; however they are by far the least reliable, WMATA says. The cars are slated for replacement by 7000-series cars in the coming years.