>Metro has filed petitions for reconsideration, as provided under WMSC’s program standard. The petitions seek a stay, pending reconsideration, of the train operator and 7K directives that reduce or prevent the restoration of customer service.

>In its petitions, Metro states the agency has worked transparently, collaboratively, and side-by-side with the WMSC to track and share data on all 7000-series railcars, in exceedance of the Return to Service Plan. Upon request of the WMSC and outside of the Return to Service Plan, Metro has shared with the WMSC the inspection records of all 7000-series railcars on a daily basis since the Return to Service began.

>Further, the 7K petition documents that there has been no confirmed wheel movement during the Return to Service period since May 23, 2022, which supports and reinforces the plan to move from Step 2 to Step 3 – extending back-to-back interval inspections from four to seven days.

>“We look forward to the WMSC’s timely review of the petition but there is really a larger fundamental issue that needs resolution,” Smedberg said. “The Board and staff are fully supportive of an independent safety oversight body; however, the relationship between WMSC and Metro is structurally untenable and does not advance the region’s mission of providing safe and reliable rail service. We are respectfully requesting assistance from the jurisdictions to help mediate a process to move the relationship forward and to meet our jointly stated goal of having the safe, world-class transit system that our region deserves.”