D.C. Metro Red Line Crash Kills Nine -- Archive Coverage

Discussions

Commuter information

Gaithersburg, Md.: How does Metro's safety record compare with comparable systems in the U.S.? I don't recall hearing about similar accidents in other systems, but I wouldn't have been paying as much attention to them as I have to this story.

Bob Thomson: It's hard to compare transit systems on just about any issue. But our system is very safe. That's not just a feeling -- the stats back that up. I was just looking over some of the stats that the Metro board is scheduled to look at during its Thursday meeting. (Scheduled before the crash.) Yesterday's incident shows that pretty safe isn't good enough.

Read the transcript. (11 a.m., June 23)

Ex-NTSB director

Wheaton, Md.: Even with "anti-crush" frames, you still have 500,000 lbs at 50 MPH -- a lot of kinetic energy. What do the the "safer" designs do to get rid of that much energy?

Peter Goelz: Most recent designs involve locating structural collision posts that are designed to deflect the penetration of the car.

Read the transcript. (Noon, June 23)

Hospitals' response

Columbia: Doctor, would you explain for us, in general, the process for determining who goes to what hospital in a situation like yesterday's? Thank you.

Janis Orlowski: This decision is made by the triage officer and D.C. EMS at the scene. They also have special managers on a radio system who will route them to specific hospitals depending on the type of injury.

Read the transcript. (2 p.m., June 23)

Congressional delegate

Silver Spring, Md.: Rep. Norton, You raise good points about the need for funding. Is there anything that riders can do to help push our lawmakers to approve funding?

Eleanor Holmes Norton: Thank you. Riders might want to write to the chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee where this matter is pending: Chairman John Olver of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. People can go online to e-mail or phone the office. The number for the transportation subcommittee is 202-225-2141.

Read the transcript. (11 a.m., June 24)

Ongoing commute issues

Baltimore, Md.: To follow up on the first chatter's question, to your knowledge it's not that there are fewer trains in service, it's just the speed limit that is causing the slowness, overcrowding and large gaps between Red Line trains?

Robert Thomson: Normally, there would be 41 trains on the Red Line. I think under current conditions, Metro simply can't get that many trains onto the line at peak periods. This just in: What you experienced today, that will continue at least through Wednesday. Manual control, speed limit of 35 mph. The line will close each night at 10 p.m. between Silver Spring and Fort Totten. The shuttle buses will be in operation.

Read the transcript. (Noon, June 29)

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