Metro gets green light to introduce automatic train operations on Yellow, Green lines
WASHINGTON () — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) announced Tuesday that its Automatic Train Operation (ATO) is set to launch along two metro lines.
Starting on Friday, May 23, the automatic operation will launch along the Green and Yellow lines.
This comes after rigorous internal training and testing were completed by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, giving Metro the green light.
According to the transit system, ATO controls a train's acceleration, deceleration and speed. The trains will receive signal and speed commands from equipment located between the tracks.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Metro's Red Line trains keep overshooting stops, raising safety concerns
Metro noted that the automatic operation provides a smoother ride, enhances safety and improves on-time performance.
Despite the new system, train operators will continue to work in the cab and will still be responsible for the safety of passengers. Officials said operators can better observe safety concerns and the environment around the train.
Crews will also be responsible for monitoring track conditions and closing the doors once passengers are safely on the train.
Last December, Metro reintroduced the after a 15-year break. This was the first line to use the ATO since nine people died in a crash near the Fort Totten Station in June 2009.
WMATA noted that since implementing the new system on the Red Line, travel time on end-to-end has reduced by eight minutes, and there have been no safety issues or red signal violations.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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