Photo by Adam Fagen.
If you rode on the Blue Line to work this morning, chances are you were probably late. According to Metro, a cracked third rail temporarily suspended service on the Blue Line in the direction of Largo.
Metro crews have located cause of the Blue Line issue btwn Arlington Cem & Rosslyn. It’s a cracked 3rd rail. Repairs beginning shortly.
— @wmata (@wmata) August 15, 2014
Naturally, this led to a nightmarish commute for Blue Line riders, who, of course, took their frustrations out on Twitter:
Another Friday w/a #wmata meltdown. All blues offloading at DCA. At least ours told us at Braddock… @unsuckdcmetro @savetheblueline
— Rebecca (@franchise02) August 15, 2014
MT @Metrorailinfo: Blue Line in direction of Largo SUSPENDED, track problem. Use Yellow as alt from Virginia; transfer L’Enfant Plz. #wmata
— Everett Will (@DCAbloob) August 15, 2014
25 mins from Rosslyn to Foggy Bottom. Why in God’s name did @wmata never build a 3rd rail? Walking all the way to Smithsonian @unsuckdcmetro
— Adam Patterson (@apattersonphoto) August 15, 2014
Had to stop escalator to prevent crushing people at the bottom of l’enfant @wmata @unsuckdcmetro @savetheblueline pic.twitter.com/qxM1eUjP0E
— Tim B. (@TimBlaze) August 15, 2014
AVOID the Orange line. (Ballston station this am) @unsuckdcmetro pic.twitter.com/u5ODCpGHRw
— Victor Salcedo (@OdeclasV) August 15, 2014
@unsuckdcmetro This is Ballston right now. Already 30 minutes late for work, headed back home if possible. pic.twitter.com/13t7AQoImc
— Ryan A Moore (@mooreporfavor) August 15, 2014
Did you know GM Sarles won an award for “getting it” when it comes to safety? http://t.co/uC89O8tm9y Fun #wmata fact. pic.twitter.com/lncg6uR8P3
— Metrofail Info (@Metrofailinfo) August 15, 2014
@unsuckdcmetro escalator disaster at l’enphant. Cops with megaphones directing people. Platforms blue/orange jammed. pic.twitter.com/QxFzUD8yqu
— Gia Franzone (@geyonce_go_boom) August 15, 2014
Luckily, Metro says the problem was fixed and service was restored in both directions by 9:50 a.m., although trains are still single-tracking between Foggy Bottom and Arlington National Cemetery to allow room to repair the cracked rail. The repairs should clear up for the afternoon rush hour. We hope.
