At least seven Metro trains have pulled into stations at the wrong place since the deadly June 22 crash, potentially leaving passengers inside tunnels.
The important safety problem has plagued the system for more than a year but was highlighted as the transit agency said it was going to lock down any safety concerns after the crash that killed nine and injured more than 70.
The day after the crash, Metro’s top executives ordered all trains to stop at the far end of station platforms, known as the eight-car mark, even if they were running shorter trains that did not extend the entire platform length.
The problem did not cause the crash, which is still under investigation. Metro had been working on a draft of the new rule before the accident and initiated it immediately after the crash with several other safety measures.
“It’s not something we want to take a chance at,” spokesman Steven Taubenkibel said. “It’s a serious safety issue.”
Since then, trains are stopping farther along the platform, and regular riders may have had to run to board trains that go past their regular boarding spots on the platform.
Metro confirmed that at least seven trains have missed the mark in the three weeks since the order. Metro officials initially said they had four incidents, but later acknowledged the additional cases after The Examiner asked about specific cases. At least one operator has been suspended.
» Two on June 26
» One on June 27
» Two on July 4
» One on July 8
» One on July 10
Source: Metro
The location of where a train stops is important. If eight-car trains stop before reaching the end of the platform, their car doors could open inside the tunnel, a danger for riders who may be leaning against a door and could fall onto the tracks. Metro considers it a serious safety violation.
The location of where a train stops is important. If eight-car trains stop before reaching the end of the platform, their car doors could open inside the tunnel, a danger for riders who may be leaning against a door and could fall onto the tracks. Metro considers it a serious safety violation.
Metro said no one was hurt in any of the recent cases. The transit agency could not say exactly how many train doors opened in the tunnels.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents train operators, has been pushing for years for the new rule, to make it less confusing for operators, who drive trains of varying lengths.
Previously, shorter trains haven’t had to pull up to the eight-car line except on special occasions such as Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration when the system was running longer trains to accommodate the crowds.
“When you have uniformity, there’s no chance of mistake,” union President Jackie Jeter said.
