Metro uses automatic mode for first time since fatal accident in 2009 – NBC4 Washington

Metro is planning a major change to train operations in the Washington metropolitan area.

The agency said it was ready to use its automatic, computer-controlled train operating system for the first time 15 years since the fatal accident on the Red Line in 2009.

The trains receive signals and speed commands from devices in the tracks. A train driver is still located in the train's cab.

Metro General Manager Randy Clarke told News4 that automation is a key part of his plan. Metro recently began opening train doors automatically and reported little to no problems with door operation.

“We are really focusing on automatic train operation and are making great progress. We now officially have automatic doors throughout the system. It is much safer. And punctuality has improved quite dramatically as a result,” he said.

In automatic mode, train drivers pay attention to the train's surroundings, looking for problems on the tracks or other safety concerns.

In the 2009 subway crash that killed nine people, it was never determined that it was due to automatic train operation; it was concluded that a track defect was the cause.

Metro is currently exploring the possibility of increasing the maximum speed of trains in some parts of the system. In some cases, trains could then accelerate from 95 km/h to 120 km/h.

With these changes, the average speed of trains could increase by about 8%, Metro said, which would mean shorter waiting times for passengers.

Metro aims to convert the Red Line trains to automatic operation by December, with the remaining rail lines to follow in January 2025.

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The agency's main safety oversight body, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, must review and approve the plan before it goes into effect. It told News4 the plan has been selected for in-depth review.

Metro has installed new, higher fare gates at all stations. News4's Joseph Olmo reports how the gates are making a difference in the crackdown on passengers who don't pay for their rides.