Signaling and operation on the Washington Metro consists of a sprawling system of train controls, station identification, train signaling, signage, and train length. The Washington Metro was designed
Red signal ahead of Silver Spring pocket track on the B Route.
A train services the West Falls Church station from the center track, due to single-tracking west of the station.
Interlocking and signal for the D Route pocket track (D98). The D&G junction is in the background. The track was to be used to turn Silver Line trains, however, safety concerns raised in December 2012 necessitated the Silver Line to be extended to Largo.
An eight-car train sits out of service at Vienna station.
There have been numerous incidents on the Washington Metro over its history, including several collisions causing injuries and fatalities, and numerous derailments. The Washington Metropolitan Area Tr
Washington Metro signaling and operation
…until January 6, 1996, Metro management required its employees to use the automatic mode at all times. During the Blizzard of 1996, however, there was a collision on January 6 that occurred when the ATS system failed to pick up proper instructions from the wayside communication system during a snowstorm, and defaulted to the…
Final train positions in the January 6, 1996, accident at the Shady Grove station.
The June 22, 2009, accident on Metro's Red Line. Nine people were killed and over 70 people were injured.
Green Line train following the January 7, 2007, derailment, seen at Greenbelt Yard