Metro Transit will launch a pilot program next month to study whether operating single-car MetroLink trains in select situations, instead of normal two-car trains, can improve efficiency and reduce operating costs while maintaining customer satisfaction, service reliability and safety. The Single-Car Pilot will be conducted in phases, beginning on October 3 and ending in Spring 2027. The initial phase will start with only one single-car train operating on both of MetroLink’s Red and Blue Lines as part of normal service for two weeks.
“We know many riders remember trial periods with single-car trains in the past and have concerns,” said Ron Forrest, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit. “But we are taking a very deliberate approach with this pilot so that we can thoroughly study the impact to operations, customer experience, and possible savings to make the best decision for long-term service.”
During the pilot, Metro will conduct a detailed analysis using operational performance data, customer feedback, and ridership numbers to evaluate the efficacy of one-car trains for long-term use and in specific areas and conditions. Initial analysis indicates single-car operations have the potential to generate annual maintenance cost savings between $800,000 to $4.8 million. As stewards of public tax dollars, Metro works to maximize its resources to operate as efficiently as possible while maintaining quality customer service. Once the pilot begins, Metro will ask riders to provide feedback on their experience to inform any long-term decisions on using single-car operations.
The pilot does not involve a service reduction, as MetroLink will maintain its expected frequency and schedule throughout the pilot. MetroLink will suspend the single-car pilot during special events when peak ridership is expected and during planned track maintenance requiring single-track operations when trains in both directions must share a single track at affected stations during daytime weekday service.
Check here again once the pilot begins on Oct. 3 to provide feedback on the single-car pilot.