WASHINGTON — Metro riders may notice doors opening faster on some Red Line trains. Train operators who have been trained to use Metro's Auto Doors function are being certified this week.
As you might have guessed, the feature lets doors open automatically once a train pulls up to the platform. That has not been the case in the past. Currently, operators are required to open and close train doors manually. Drivers stick their heads out a window, take a few seconds to verify the doors are opening properly, and then press a button to open the doors. Metro officials estimate the whole process can take up to 15 seconds, and happens about 20,000 times a day.
Metro claims the Auto Doors system eliminates that delay, while also making doors safer and more reliable.
Here's a look at a side-by-side comparison:
"Using Auto Doors eliminates human error from the process of operating our train doors, meaning a safer, smoother trip," Chief Operating Officer Brian Dwyer said. “Anyone who uses Metrorail has experienced the wait, standing at the door wondering when the doors will open. Our customers tell us they want Auto Doors back and this change will improve customer experience and safety."
Signals at the platform tell the train which side to open automatically when it arrives at each station platform. Train operators will still put their heads out the windows to make sure everyone is safely on or off the train before closing the doors manually.
Metro says it has been testing the Auto Doors feature for months during off hours. Officials say the system performed without safety issues more than 2,500 times.