Metro Dispatching: Back to the Basics

When your local area mass transit system can't seem to do the absolute basic task it is charged with--dispatch trains--you just have to throw your hands up and say "Catoe!"

When there are huge gaps between trains during rush hour, chances are it's a mechanical problem with a train or on the track--check our ongoing tally of Metro screw ups.

But remember, those breakdowns aren't Metro's fault. It's the lack of funding that's totally responsible! Completely. Utterly.

But there are some delays Metro can't duck with its standard "no money" excuse.

There are a surprising amount of no-show trains because often there are no trains available to be dispatched. Below is roughly one month's worth of "no train," "no car" or "no operator" reports.

As an added convenience to passengers, they are almost all during rush hour.

(h/t @toddeherman for the crayon and napkin mental image of the Metro dispatch center)


Aug. 27
6:31 a.m. An Orange Line train at Vienna was not put into service because no train was available.
3:38 p.m. A Blue Line train at Alexandria rail yard was not put into service because no train was available.
3:50 p.m. A Yellow Line train at Huntington was not put into service because no train was available.
4:08 p.m. A Yellow Line train at Huntington was not dispatched because no train was available.
Aug. 28
8:44 a.m. An Orange Line train at Vienna was not put into service because no train was available.
2:14 p.m. A Red Line train at Shady Grove was not put into service because no train was available.
Aug. 31
6:40 a.m. A Green Line train at Greenbelt was not put into service because no train was available.
6:55 a.m. A Blue Line train at Alexandria rail yard was not put into service because no train was available.
4:08 p.m. A Yellow Line train at Huntington was not put into service because no train was available.
4:12 p.m. A Green Line train at Branch Ave was not put into service because no train was available.
4:54 p.m. An Orange Line train at New Carrollton was not put into service because no train was available.
5 p.m. An Orange Line train at New Carrollton was not put into service because no train was available.
Sept. 1
6:18 a.m. A Green Line train at Greenbelt was not put into service because no train was available.
6:30 a.m. A Green Line train at Greenbelt was not put into service because no train was available.
Sept. 4
4:36 p.m. An Orange Line train at Vienna was not put into service because no train was available.
Sept 10
3:42 p.m. A Blue Line train at Largo was not dispatched, no cars available.
4:00 p.m. A Blue Line train at Largo was not dispatched, no cars available.
Sept 11
06:40 a.m. A Green Line train at Greenbelt In the direction of Branch Ave was not dispatched as no cars were available. A gap train was placed in service at Columbia Heights to minimize delays.
Sept. 15
3:30 p.m. A Red Line Train at Glenmont was not dispatched due to no cars available.
4:00 p.m. A Red Line Train at Glenmont was not dispatched due to no cars available.
4:22 p.m. A Red Line Train at Glenmont was not dispatched due to no cars available.
Sept 17
5:06 p.m. An Orange Line train at New Carrollton was not put into service because no train was available.
Sept. 18
5:12 p.m. An Orange Line train at New Carrollton was not put into service because no train was available.
Sept 21
7:17 p.m. A Red Line train at Shady Grove was put into service late because no operator was available at the scheduled time.
Sept. 23
4 p.m. A Blue Line train at Largo Town Center was not put into service because no train was available.

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