The Metro system on July 8 moved to operating its trains in “auto-door mode,” which will allow for faster door openings and could cut down on delays across the system.
The initiative was launched on the Red Line last December as a pilot program. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission approved service for the entire system.
“Auto Doors on the Red Line has been very successful, with more than 1.3 million safe door openings since launching last year,” said Randy Clarke, general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. “We’ve achieved better schedule consistency and now we’re excited to bring this safety and convenience improvement to all our customers.”
While train doors now open automatically upon arrival, operators still will close train doors manually for departure after checking outside the driver’s-side cab window, Metro officials said.
