Train with no passengers derails in DC, causing delays

Silver Line trains were only running between Wiehle-Reston and East Falls Church, where riders can transfer to the Orange Line.

Metro says the cars derailed as they train was turning around between Smithsonian and Federal Triangle and got caught on the interlock that allows the trains to switch tracks.

Service on the blue, orange and silver lines were suspended Thursday between Federal Center SW and McPherson Square. Disruptions could stretch into the afternoon rush, the transit agency says.

Each rider who used a SmarTrip card to enter and exit the system and traveled on the Blue, Orange or Silver lines between the hours of 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday will automatically receive a credit on their card for the fare they were charged at the gates. Other Metro commuters had to deal with delays. Riders on a disabled train had to be escorted along the tracks back to the E. Falls Church station.

In July, Requa testified before Congress over safety concerns after a fatal incident in January near the L’Enfant Plaza left one woman dead.

Service along some bus routes, including the X2, has been affected because Metro pulled out buses to serve as shuttles between Metro stations.

Those lines saw major service disruptions Friday morning due to a power outage.

There were no injuries in the derailment, Stessel says; only the operator of the train was on board.