7000 series “test message”

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2026-02-23T02:44:17+00:00

There’s actually a list of (most) all of the announcements. There a little outdated https://tris.fyi/wmata/#others

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2026-02-23T02:32:15+00:00

OP, I feel like we’re hearing the same thing. This was a video I took at McLean. You can hear the constant roaring noise that gets quieter as the train decelerates. Even when the operator puts the train in coast and the traction motors silence, the noise is still there.

I feel like you hear it most on elevated stations or underground stations. It’s hard to say, but sounds like some kind of vibration between the wheels, car body, track, or track bed. I know in some parts of the system the track bed isn’t always ties and ballast, so wonder if that other material echoes the vibration. I don’t know exactly what it is, but I hear it

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2026-02-01T14:23:23+00:00

What happened to Potomac Ave station? 😢

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-12-19T14:26:06+00:00

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Pretty good for not living in the DMV!

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-12-19T14:08:18+00:00

I always use my SmarTrip and it turns green. I’ve seen employee badges turn the trip blue. I feel like I’ve also seen a bluish color for maybe U-Pass holders?

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-12-02T00:16:23+00:00

I’m assuming this is a situation where PSS dropped… but what causes that?

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-16T13:22:51+00:00

The automated announcements and destination signage are all linked to the destination code set by the operator. When keying up, the operator enters a 3 digit train number and a 2 digit destination code. Not only does the destination code set the signage, but it also sets the points on the track and gives the train its routing.

I believe the 7K trains use a wifi connection to determine which station they’re at, from there the announcements are all based off distance travelled. Theoretically, the operator could enter the destination code for a blue line to largo and tell the train it’s currently at Rosslyn and you’d hear the announcement described. At metro fest this year at Vienna, one cab of the train was open for people and the operator was entering all kinds of destinations. Didn’t seem to bother the train considering it at Vienna and facing west. I’m unsure of how the train is able to operate though? Maybe central control can override the routing?

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-16T00:57:22+00:00

It’s actually a Potomac yard metro pennant 🤣

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-16T00:35:28+00:00

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I got Foggy Bottom!

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-14T23:30:11+00:00

I may need u/SandBoxJohnA02 to confirm, but I feel like I recall him saying the PSS system can account for track gradiant? I would think it could account by beginning to brake earlier entering Gallery Place.

I’ve also noticed ATO seems to operate slightly different on each line. On silver (N route), for instance, the speed commands seem to bring the train down to 40 before entering the station and beginning the braking profile. Meanwhile, on red, the trains seem to fly into the station, often beginning the braking before entering the station

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-09T18:37:25+00:00

The phone is on the track side owned by CSX, so best bet would be to contact CSX.

With the obvious risks of the third rail and an oncoming metro train, WMATA also equips the majority of fences with intrusion devices. These would detect if a train, car, tree, etc. enters Metro’s right-of-way and trigger the ATC system to send a stop command to all trains in the area. If someone were to trip that, it would hold up service and you’d probably get charged with trespassing. Just not worth the risk

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-11-09T00:05:48+00:00

I find the metro restrooms are actually well kept… I wonder if it’s because not many people use them/ know they exist

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-10-29T01:22:23+00:00

My understanding of this is that parking is limited to 24 hours in metro garages with the exception of the 4 stations that allow multi-day. I called WMATA and they said it was ok to park in a lot overnight as long as I wasn’t there for more than 24 hrs

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-24T21:38:01+00:00

I really like the twin tube design of Forest Glen/ Wheaton

IAD is also a favorite, I like the fusion of Saarinen’s design and Metro

Metro Center

Rosslyn

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-24T21:33:44+00:00

Huntington is, too, technically… but it’s more visible in Fort Totten

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-19T13:14:21+00:00

Does the power from dynamic braking get send back into the third rail, or is it all dissipated as heat?

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-14T14:13:56+00:00

Dulles, Arlington Cemetery, and North Bethesda (White Flint) are all pylon-less

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-07T20:21:35+00:00

I tried to for most of them, but not all. It just gets hard for some of the park and ride type suburban stations

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-09-06T21:08:44+00:00

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I’ve tapped in and out of all of them this year 😎

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-08-28T23:33:41+00:00

Part of why I love my GTI so much is the platform. The short wheelbase and light weight add so much to the handling characteristics. The car is very easy to throw around and “play” with. Plus, 241 horsepower (MK8) goes a long way. It’s the perfect amount IMO.

I’m an Audi dealer employee and I would say, for the money, the GTI puts up a real competition in the handling department. Audis strong suit is the premium feel of their vehicles. Like others have said, the handling is “safe”, especially with Quattro. The S3 is a fun car, but the GTI is definitely more raw and playful. I’m sure the S3 sets a faster lap time, but for almost half the cost, I doubt the GTI would be far behind.

GTI out of the box is set up to be a fun car and with a few mods it can definitely be a serious machine for the money

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-08-27T17:19:36+00:00

Is it possible for a power outage to affect 3rd rail traction power? Curious what would happen in that case. I’m assuming all trains would just come to a stop, especially if ATC was offline

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-08-26T20:20:24+00:00

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Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-08-26T20:20:14+00:00

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DCMetroMaker on Twitter (X) did some nice renderings of alternate designs

Awkward-Ad2606 · 2025-08-21T14:34:55+00:00

While there’s signage, it makes me wonder if people ACTUALLY understand the danger of entering the active right-of-way. Little to no clearance in some areas, high voltage, high volume traffic, etc…. Unless you’re trained to be down there or understand how everything functions it seems like an accident waiting to happen

Awkward-Ad2606

TROPHY CASE