Metrorail to increase weekday service on Blue, Orange and Silver lines

Metro changes could prompt new cards for some

Metro now has new faregates in about 50 percent of stations, with more on the way.

WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - Metro has announced customers will see more trains more often starting Monday on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines.

Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather

WMATA says customers will see trains on those lines at least every 20 minutes during weekday service, expanding on earlier service improvements to the Red (every 12 minutes), Green and Yellow lines (every 20 minutes).

The improvements add capacity, reduce crowding on platforms and offer customers trains as frequently as every seven to 10 minutes at stations that are served by multiple lines throughout the system.

Since pausing the return of the 7000-series fleet to focus on root cause analysis, rail maintenance staff have concentrated on restoring more of the legacy fleet to improve reliability.

"We appreciate the patience of our customers," said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Our focus on making the legacy fleet available is allowing us to gradually add trains for passenger service, and I thank our workforce for their dedication and around-the-clock efforts to improve rail service."

The increase of trains is sufficient to support more frequent, reliable service Monday through Friday for customers who continue to rely on Metrorail for work, travel and leisure activities throughout the region.

SUBSCRIBE TO FOX 5 DC ON YOUTUBE

On the weekends, customers will experience 24-minute service on Blue, Orange, and Silver lines, 20-minute service on Green and Yellow lines, and 12-minute service on the Red Line.