Signaling system for DC’s Metro train continues to fail in area where deadly crash occurred

DC’s Metro signaling system still has problems

WASHINGTON — Federal investigators say the signaling system for Metro transit trains continues to fail periodically in the area of Washington, D.C., where a deadly train crash occurred.

National Transportation Safety Board member Debbie Hersman told lawmakers Tuesday that investigators are replacing various pieces of equipment in an attempt to stop the problem near the Fort Totten station on Metro’s red line.

Metro’s signaling system is supposed to prevent crashes by detecting passing trains and automatically transmitting speed and stop commands.

But the system had been failing intermittently in the days before and after the June 22 crash, which killed nine people.

Metro General Manager John Catoe says trains continue to run manually until the cause of the crash is determined.