The computer-driven trains will start up again next year with the goal of improving riders’ experiences.
Metro says it plans to bring automatic train operation (ATO) back to the Washington, D.C. area in 2019, reports Faiz Siddiqui. The computerized train system was pulled offline in 2009 after the Red Line accident that killed nine people, though ATO was not the cause of the crash.
The agency says that use of ATO will improve travel for Metro users by decreasing headways and making rides smoother. To address safety concerns about the reintroduction of ATO, Metro plans to disable the technology outside of rush hour and to train system operators on its use. Metro also will start using an automatic door system, which will decrease delays at stations and improve safety.
“ATO’s restoration is part of a suite of initiatives [Metro General Manager Paul J.] Wiedefeld plans to introduce for the coming year — including mobile payment through a dedicated app and SmarTrip ride credits for anyone whose trip is 10 minutes later than Metro estimates,” says Siddiqui.
FULL STORY: Metro aims for a late-2019 return to computer-driven trains
No Consensus on How to Address Declining D.C. Metro Ridership
A decrease in ridership is not disputed. However, ideas about the best solutions for turning things around abound.
Meet the Geeks Re-Shaping D.C.
Planning nerd bloggers like David Alpert of Greater Greater Washington are finding that they can have significant influence in the world of D.C. planning and development.
D.C. Mayor Proposes Tax Increase on Ride-Hailing to Fund Transit
Mayor Bowser's 2019 budget also continues investments designed to create affordable housing and distribute homeless shelters throughout the city.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl
The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.
Trump: Federal Government Won’t Pay for California HSR
The President has targeted federal funding for the California bullet train project since his first administration.
San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure
San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.
Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Tyler Technologies
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions