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What is Going On With the Washington Metro (This Time)
So, as a note. I am not a transit investigator or rail professional. And I don’t, obviously, have the full picture here, as the investigation is ongoing.
But Washington, D.C.’s subway system is screwed up and borderline unusable. Again.
And that “again” is sadly an echo of again and again and again.
What Happened This Time?
On Tuesday, October 12, a Blue line train derailed in the tunnel between Arlington Cemetery and Rosslyn. This is a fairly long stretch between stations. The derailment happened during the evening rush, just before 5 p.m. 200 passengers were evacuated on foot through the tunnel.
One passenger was taken to hospital for what later turned out to be a panic attack (probably claustrophobic. I can’t say I wouldn’t get some extreme anxiety in that situation). There were no other injuries, but it took hours to evacuate the station.
The line was closed for two days while the derailed train was removed and the investigation started. Passengers reported smelling “burned rubber,” which told me immediately that it was caused by a brake issue.
Yup. The holding brake was stuck on.