Washington Metro has fully resumed Automated Train Operation (ATO) on all rail lines. This significant advancement represents a major step forward in transportation technology for Washington and transit riders. The expansion, which began with the Red Line in December 2024, now includes the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. With ATO, train speeds and safety performance have been significantly improved across the network.
Increased Speed and Decreased Delays with ATO
According to Metro General Manager Randy Clarke ATO, increases reliability and passenger safety while reducing operational costs. These benefits are a big win for both passengers and the organization’s long-term efficiency.
After months of intensive training and testing, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission gave the green light for full ATO deployment. Metro has not recorded any signal violations or safety concerns since its launch.
The Washington Metro has also reinstated its original speed limits. Trains now operate at speeds of 100%, especially on the outer sections of the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. up to 75 miles per hour (about 120 km/h) It can work. Previously, speed limits were set at 55 miles per hour (about 88 km/h).
From June 22 Travel times will be reduced by approximately three minutes on each of these three lines, with savings of one to two minutes also expected on the Yellow and Green lines, which adopted ATO in May.
Increased Efficiency and Reliability
The Red Line’s performance serves as a benchmark. End-to-end travel time has decreased by eight minutes since December, and Metro expects further improvements on other lines later this year.
Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos called the 16-year return to full automation a milestone in public transportation. She said Washington’s renewed focus on speed, safety and innovation benefits every rider.
