Train Length
When it first opened, Metro ran a mix of four- and six-car trains; however, there have not been any four-car trains used in the system (except for the money train) since the mid-2000s. The most common train length is six cars, with a maximum length of eight cars possible. During peak hours, a mix of six- and eight-car trainsets are used, while during off-peak and weekend hours almost all trains are only six cars in length. In 2008, Metro began planning to acquire sufficient quantities of the new 7000-Series cars to run 100% eight-car trains. Metro also tested eight-car trains on the Yellow and Blue lines in preparation for increased service on the day of the Inauguration of Barack Obama.
However, by early 2010 riders began to lose faith in WMATA's "promise" to implement 100% eight-car trains. In December 2010 those fears were confirmed and Metro delayed the plans indefinitely.
As of 2012, during peak hour service the Red Line runs 51% eight-car trains, the Orange Line runs 40%, and the Green Line runs 50%, while the Blue and Yellow Lines run only six-car trains, for a total of 43 of 129 trains running at full length, or 33%. There are no plans to increase Metro's total rolling stock beyond the minimum level needed for Silver Line operation.
Read more about this topic: Washington Metro Signaling And Operation
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