Months-long delays in getting new rail cars and constant overhauls of older ones have left Metro without the equivalent of five to six trains during rush hours on some days, at a time when record numbers of people are riding the subway.For years, Metro has been counting on new cars to alleviate the rush-hour crowds that are jamming platforms and trains as the summer season gets underway. The first new cars were on the tracks in the fall, but a litany of problems -- including faulty software, mechanical problems and troubles with doors -- has delayed the availability of many more.
Metro General Manager John B. Catoe Jr. has called the shortage "unacceptable," and agency officials said they hope to have additional cars available for regular service by the end of the week. Officials said they are working with Alstom Transport, which has a $323.4 million contract to build 184 cars and a separate deal to rehabilitate many older models, to address Metro's needs.
The lack of cars has caused Metro to delay many of its long-planned crowd-easing measures, such as reducing the number of four-car trains on the Blue Line and running more eight-car trains on all lines. Most trains have six cars.
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