Metro To Run Shorter Weekend Trains
posted 10:39 am Wed November 28, 2007 - Washington
Reducing weekend service to a mix of four- and six-car trains will not affect the frequency of trains, said Metro's new rail chief, Dave Kubicek, who announced the service changes Tuesday. Metro has predominantly used six-car trains on weekends.
Metro will save about $1.3 million by using shorter trains until the end of February, officials said. The change was put into effect last weekend.
Kubicek said he decided to run shorter trains at slower times to be "financially responsible." The decision was dictated by the current budget and by ridership, which is lower on weekends, he said. Also, weekend ridership is lower in winter than during the rest of the year.
Metro will still have extra service during special events, such as basketball and hockey games and concerts at Verizon Center, and will have backup trains that could be deployed at the last minute for unexpected weekend crowds, Kubicek said.
Jack Corbett, of the group MetroRiders.org, said the Metro board should review any service changes in public.
"On weekends, a lot of those trains are standing room only," Corbett said.
The changes come as Metro board members are proposing the largest increases ever in subway fares and parking fees.
On weekdays, Metro will use new rail cars to run longer trains during peak periods when trains become overcrowded on the red, orange and green lines, Kubicek said.
The transit system typically runs six-car trains during peak travel times on all five lines, with some eight-car trains on the red and orange lines. New plans call for as many as 10 new eight-car trains by mid-December.
On the Net:
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: http://www.wmata.com/
Information from: The Washington Post
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