Breakfast links: WMATA 7000-series trains not at fault, others under inspection after Friday derailment
Metrorail train on bridge near National Airport by Erinn Shirley used with permission.
7000-series train derails Friday near National Airport, at no fault of its own
A 7000-series train derailed near the National Airport Metro station on Friday because part of a brake assembly unit from a 3000-series train fell onto the tracks, said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on Friday afternoon. He ordered inspection of 2000- and 3000-series trains. Blue and Yellow line trains will experience delays today as track repairs continue. (Colleen Grablick / DCist, Megan / NBC 4 )
WMATA orders inspection of older railcars after recent derailment
WMATA will inspect all 2000- and 3000-series railcars after it was determined debris from a 3000-series railcar’s brake assembly unit caused the derailment of a 7000-series railcar last Friday. A complete inspection is expected to wrap up within a week. (Post)
WMATA urges state governments to prevent transit “death spiral”
WMATA officials are asking DC, Maryland, and Virginia to contribute more to prevent the looming budget deficit and the resulting devastating transit service cuts and layoffs. The jurisdictions contribute $500 million each, but the annual increase in Maryland and Virginia is capped at 3% — something that the states will need to change via legislation. (Sarah Y. Kim / DCist)
UMD secures $40 million grant to electrify bus fleet
The Federal Transit Administration awarded $40 million to the University of Maryland Department of Transportation Systems to purchase 35 electric buses and build out bus charging stations. The new electric buses could be available as early as summer 2026. (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)
More Capital Bikeshare stations in the works for Fairfax County
Half a dozen new Capital Bikeshare stations are proposed for the area in and around Metro’s new Innovation Center station near Reston. The new stations are funded by a Federal Highway Administration grant. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will accept public comment on the proposals through October 20. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXnow)
Local nonprofit files plans to renovate affordable multifamily building in Eckington
So Others Might Eat recently filed plans to renovate and modernize a 93-unit multifamily residential building on 4th Street NE in Eckington. Following renovations, the 93-unit building will become a 73-unit building, affordable to households making at or below 60% of DC’s median family income. (UrbanTurf)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.