WASHINGTON — All aboard! Metro train riders will have faster entries and exits on the Red Line starting Wednesday. After weeks of certifying train operators, trains on the Red Line will be using Automatic Door Operation.
The change was set into motion after the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission gave its approval. The doors will now open within three to five seconds after the train stops on the station platform. The time saved per stop is around 10-15 seconds.
“Auto Doors will allow customers to exit trains faster to catch a connecting train or bus, or quickly reach escalators and elevators to leave the station and be on their way,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “In addition to the convenience customers will experience, Auto Doors is also safer, reducing the opportunity for human error and wrong-side door openings.”
Metro says while the doors will automatically open, operators will still close doors manually after checking outside the driver's side cab window to make sure the area is clear.
Auto Doors are controlled by technology already onboard trains that ensures trains are safely stopped at the platform before the doors open.
The restoration of this quicker service option was made possible after testing more than 2,500 automatic door-opening exercises. Red Line Train operators also completed additional training and certification to operate trains in Auto Doors mode.
Metro says other train lines could see Auto Doors in the future. The feature is currently testing Auto Doors on the Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines.
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