WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced on Thursday that automatic train operations (ATO) would begin on the Red Line on Dec. 15. for the first time in 15 years.
“This is a historic day for Metro operations,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke.
ATO controls when the train accelerates and decelerates as well as how fast it’s going while being regulated by safety critical equipment.
Metro will operate in a semi-automated mode with a train operator inside of the operator’s cab.
“Our team’s commitment to returning to ATO implementation has been nothing short of amazing. With the Board of Director’s support and expert advice from our peers, we were able to work closely with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to receive concurrence for this final step in the process,” said Clarke.
The transit authority said this move will allow the systems to operate as they were originally intended to.
“Automatic train operations represent significant advancements in safety and efficiency for Metro customers and employees,” said Principal Director and Chair of the Board’s Safety and Operations Committee Don Drummer.
Metro said ATO will allow operators to keep an eye on concerns and the environment around the train, which includes track conditions, train status, and door operations.
“ATO also offers numerous advantages that contribute to an improved trip experience, increased reliability, cost savings, and more environmentally friendly train operations.”
Metro has been working to provide safety for customers as well as train conductors when the trains are operating in ATO mode.
Some of those upgrades include:
- Implement preventative maintenance cycles according to manufacturer recommendations
- Adjust track marker coils to track train location better
- Implement train detection tools in coordination with the control center software solution to allow traffic controllers to act on potential safety risks
- Replace older track circuits for new, more reliable ones
Automatic train operations on other lines are expected to begin in 2025.
