station. An above-ground train recently derailed in the Green Line.
A federal investigation evaluating the Metro’s safety began after a Green Line train derailed near the Mount Vernon Square station on Jan. 7, injuring 20 people.
The train was shifting tracks when its wheels popped off and the train smashed into a concrete wall. The incident was the fifth derailment in Metro’s 31-year history. In August 2004, a 5000 Series car derailed in Silver Spring.
“Our Metrorail system remains one of the safest in the nation, and we take great pride in our safety record that now spans three decades,” Metro Board Chairman Gladys Mack said in a statement. “But even one injury is one too many.”
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation, which will take between 12 and 18 months, according to Public Affairs Officer Keith Holloway.
“We’re looking at everything right now, we have not singled out the 5000 series,” Holloway said.
Although Metro will collaborate with NTSB, Communications Program Manager Joanne Ferreira declined to comment. NTSB will investigate all three derailments between 2001 and 2006.
“[The derailment] concerns me very much because I understand it’s not the first time it’s happened,” said P. Tate, a Metro rider at the Mount Vernon Square/7th St. Metro stop last night. Tate said she would continue to ride the Metro.
“I have no choice. If I had other options I would consider [other transportation], but I have to rely on Metro.”
