WASHINGTON — Red Line riders will start seeing shorter wait times as more trains are added to service starting Dec. 5.
According to a release from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the agency is adding more 7000-series trains back into service.
With the additional rail cars, Red Line trains will operate every eight minutes during the peak travel hours of 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 7 p.m. Red Line trains will operate every 10 minutes at all other times, except during scheduled track work.
"The Red Line service improvements are the next step toward restoring Metrorail service to budgeted levels following pandemic service reductions and the railcar shortage caused by the removal of 7000-series trains from the tracks last year," WMATA said in the release.
The agency claims gradual service improvements will continue this winter and into the spring. However, while railcar availability has been the main challenge, WMATA says they also face industry-wide shortages of rail and bus operators.
"We appreciate customers' patience while we continue to add the level of service the region deserves," the agency wrote.
The review of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's return to service plan was submitted Tuesday. WMSC reviewed the plan and found no technical object