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Metro set to finish 7000 Series safety fixes for blind riders

Safety fixes for Metro’s new trains to protect blind riders are expected to be finished on time this week, which also means announcements are about to get clearer for many riders.

Metro began announcing “this is a 7000 Series train” last year when new trains pulled up to platforms to warn riders who have difficulty seeing to be extra cautious. At least two people stepped off platforms and fell straight onto the tracks after mistaking the gap between cars for an open door.

The Federal Transit Administration mandated Metro add chains between every car rather than between every-other car on the new trains, and eventually agreed to a delayed May 31 deadline for the fixes.

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Metro expects to meet that deadline at the end of this week, and all of the remaining cars to be delivered to Metro will come with the chains already in place.

Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee hopes to be more involved in planning for similar between-car barriers on the next round of new Metro railcars.

Washington Manassas Airport cleared to offer commercial airline flights

Washington Manassas Airport, formerly known as Manassas Regional Airport, has taken a big step toward its goal of offering passenger service. The airport, which is owned by the city of Manassas, Virginia, received its FAA Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate, a designation required before commercial airlines can begin service. During a ceremony Monday, FAA Associate Administrator Dan Edwards presented a framed version of the certificate to airport leaders.  Edwards said it's "extremely rare" for an existing airport that caters to private flights to clear this hurdle. 
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