DC/MD/VA: Silver Line service between Reston and Ashburn can start before Thanksgiving, Metro says

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority officials now say they have the capacity to launch the 11.4-mile, $3 billion extension of the Silver Line before Thanksgiving.

The news came late Tuesday afternoon, just minutes after the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, Metro's safety oversight agency, announced it had approved the latest version of Metro’s “Return to Service Plan” to bring back more of its 7000-series railcars after an October 2021 derailment, as long as Metro provides frequent inspections and data supporting the railcars' safety.

“With this approval and close collaboration on the Silver Line extension safety report, Metro will be able to set an opening date in the near future,” Randy Clarke, Metro’s CEO and general manager, said in a statement. “I want to thank the Safety Commission for their collaboration on reaching this important safety milestone, so we have a clear path forward.”

The news has significant implications for passengers who are looking to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, as phase two of the Silver Line includes a new station at Dulles International Airport. Right now, D.C. travelers can Metro as far as Wiehle-Reston East, but then need a car or bus to catch the final leg to Dulles. ............(more)

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