Public Transportation and Smart Growth

marmar

(79,957 posts) Sat Apr 25, 2026, 08:10 AM Apr 25

DC/MD/VA: Metro board gives green light to plan to fully automate Red Line

Metro’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a budget that calls for full automation of the system’s oldest line, the Red Line, at a nearly $1 billion price tag.

The Red Line opened to the public in March 1976 with just five stops in central D.C. It now spans 32 miles and includes 27 stations.

Metro documents regarding the proposal state that the Red Line’s “aging system presents challenges with safety, reliability, capacity and efficiency.” The documents state that trespassing incidents and human error “are difficult to mitigate with current system design.”

Under the plan, $913 million will go toward Red Line improvements that Metro said will put the system “on the path to providing world-class transit.” .......................(more)

https://wtop.com/tracking-metro-24-7/2026/04/metro-board-to-vote-on-plan-to-fully-automate-the-red-line/

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DC/MD/VA: Metro board gives green light to plan to fully automate Red Line (Original Post) marmar Apr 25 OP

When I first moved back to the DC area, oberle Apr 25 #1

I travel to dc frequently for work, always use Metro..... marmar Apr 25 #2

oberle

(395 posts)

1. When I first moved back to the DC area,

Reply to marmar (Original post)

Sat Apr 25, 2026, 08:29 AM

Apr 25

I planned on using the red line to go downtown. Within the first month there was a rape on the last train at night. Then there was a stabbing. No way will I go on the Metro, since I live along the red line.

marmar

(79,957 posts)

2. I travel to dc frequently for work, always use Metro.....

Reply to oberle (Reply #1)

Sat Apr 25, 2026, 08:59 AM

Apr 25

..... never felt unsafe. Ever.

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