Metro trains and equipment are still running into problems – or creating them.
One track vehicle ran a red light early Thursday, while a train derailed in a rail yard on Sunday.
The train derailed about 2 p.m. Sunday at the Branch Avenue rail yard while traveling at a low speed, said Metro spokesman Dan Stessel.
No passengers were riding the train at the time and no one was reported injured, he said. The 6000 Series model car that derailed was not damaged, nor was the track or rail equipment, he said.
Metro is investigating what caused it to occur. The train operator was tested for drugs and alcohol and put on administrative leave while the derailment is investigated, which is standard after any incident.
The red light violation involved a vehicle called a prime mover. It occurred about 5 a.m. in the Alexndria rail yard, Stessel said.
It was at least the fifth such red light violation in recent weeks. Three employees were placed on paid leave while it is being investigated, he said.
Last month, Metro had ordered a special safety meeting after two similar red light violations. But another violation occurred the very next day.
Metro is reviewing its training procedures and the length of its training programs in response to the spate of violations. The agency is also trying to determine why they keep happening in rail yards, Stessel said.
