r/WMATA

I’ve seen a post about this before and I’m assuming it’s the same guy but I just wanna give a shout out to the guy driving the yellow line train to Huntington today around 7 pm. While going from L Enfant to Pentagon he took that time going across the bridge to give a pep talk to everyone on board about how they mattered and to be kind to one another. I don’t know if this would ever get back to him but if it does I just wanna say thank you and keep it up. It makes a difference and it really cheered me up. I accidentally got it on video while trying to Snapchat a friend and of course had a stupid filter on that made it sound weird but in case anyone else wanted to hear it

after yesterday’s metrobus fire it makes me wonder if Wmata would retire the 2015-2018 Xde60s because this can be on going issue which makes me think about the early retirement of the Orions 6’s I heard that Wmata is looking for more 60 footer manufacturers but idk what busses can replace these is they do decide to end them early we only have so many 2020-21 Xd60s so we may have a fleet shortage just a wonder on what Wmata would do ?

Summary of Clarke's comments:

• "Employees are the core of what we do at Metro"
• The Red Line Modernization Program is not about getting rid of employees. It is primarily a capacity, safety, and reliability technology program. It employs technologies used around the world. The action taken by the board is not a move to quickly cut hundreds of train operators.
• Regarding safety, ten people have been hit by trains this year already, seven of which died. [Platform screen doors] are an engineering solution to prevent people from getting hit by trains and the subsequent trauma that puts on the staff.
• As part of the program, there will be a Workforce Development Plan as part of the FTA-mandated Program Management Plan. WMATA will work with closely ATU Local 689 and others on this as part of this multi-year development.
• As part of workforce planning, we plan to look at the workforce models. Around the world, people do this differently. Sometimes there are train attendants, sometimes operators, sometimes security staff. We need to work through our concept of operations at Metro, and what is the right ability for us to staff our system. That might mean some new skillsets.
• WMATA supports and is committed to language put forth in Maryland's legislature. This language states that Maryland will withhold funding should any reductions in force occur due to automation of the rail system.

Luckily there were no passengers and the driver escaped uninjured.

The bus (2015 New Flyer XDE60 5465) was deadheading back to Shepherd Parkway division it seems. Not sure the cause of the fire yet, but as a precaution, all New Flyer XDE60 buses WMATA currently owns (5460-5492) will be temporarily pulled from service for inspections. These buses currently operate out of Andrews Federal Center and Shepherd Parkway divisions, mostly appearing on the C53 and D20.

What a week for WMATA. The collision from yesterday and now this…