WMATA launches automatic train operations on Green, Yellow lines

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) on May 23 launched automatic train operation (ATO) on its Green and Yellow lines, following the successful implementation of ATO on the Red Line in December 2024.

Train operators will continue to work in the cab and be responsible for customer safety, WMATA officials said in a press release. With acceleration, deceleration and speed controlled by ATO, operators can better observe the train environment, monitor track conditions and better control the doors, they added.

ATO is not used during inclement weather, single tracking or when workers are on the tracks. ATO on the Red Line have reduced end to end travel time by eight minutes, and there have been no safety issues or red signal violations since its introduction, WMATA officials said.