Metro is using older models of trains — including the 2000-series, 3000-series, and 6000-series — to decrease wait times as the system runs on a reduced schedule.

Forty trains are now in service, spokesperson Sherri Lee said at a media briefing Monday afternoon. That’s up from 32 on Friday. The addition of eight trains will reduce wait times on the Green Line from 30 minutes to 20 minutes, and allow the Silver Line to operate fully between Wiehle-Reston East and Largo Town Center, instead of stopping at Federal Center Southwest. According to Lee, Red Line trains will run every 15 minutes. Orange, Blue, Yellow, and Silver will run every 30-40 minutes.

“Customers can expected to see improved reliability on all of our rail lines,” Lee said.

Delays are expected until at least Nov. 15, nearly a month after a Blue Line 7000-series train derailed in Arlington, prompting a Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) order that Metro pull its entire 7000-series fleet.  Federal safety investigators then found problems on dozens of 7000-series cars, and claimed that Metro had known about the safety issue for years. WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld has denied having any knowledge about the issues.

In order to bring the 7000-series into service, Metro must submit a testing and inspection plan to the WMSC. Lee said Monday that the plan had not been submitted yet, and she could not comment on any matters pertaining to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Previously:
Metro Delays Will Continue Through At Least Mid-November
Metro 7000-Series Safety Problems Could Have Led To ‘Catastrophic Event,’ Service Limited This Week