Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, via Twitter
More Wednesday midday rail news:
Investigation of DC Metro train separation finds loose bolts
Preliminary investigation of a Nov. 24 incident in which a DC Metro train separated while in motion has found five bolts were loose on top of the coupler assembly at the point of separation. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, in a Twitter thread, reports one was the “clamping bolt” or “pinch bolt,” designed to hold the draft bar in place; the other four are intended to hold a guide rail that can help prevent the coupler assembly from rotation. The area was included in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s inspection of all 6000-series railcars following an earlier separation incident in October [see “Digest: Commission investigating separation of moving DC Metro train,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 12, 2020]. The latest incident, in which a Red Line train separated while in a tunnel, prompted Metro to remove all 6000 series cars from service [see “Digest: Another DC Metro train separates while moving,” News Wire, Nov. 25, 2020].
Vancouver’s TransLink disables some online services because of ‘suspicious activity’
Debit and credit card payments are unavailable to users of the TransLink transit system in Vancouver, British Columbia, as agency officials investigate “suspicious network activity” on its information technology systems. The CBC reports the issue arose Tuesday morning, with TransLink reporting it disabled some of its online services out of an abundance of caution. Transit services are operating normally. A number of transit systems have been targets of ransomware and other cyberattacks, including those in Montreal, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Metra moves annual Toys for Tots drive online
Metra is moving its annual Toys for Tots toy drive online. In place of its usual one-day collection and donation event at its five downtown Chicago stations, the commuter railroad is asking for donation at this website. All donations go to the Chicago Marine Corps Reserve unit for the purchase of toys for local children. “Metra’s inability to do a traditional toy drive doesn’t mean that the need has gone away,” CEO Jim Derwinski said in a press release. “In fact, it’s even greater this year with so many families in the Chicago region out of work due to the pandemic. That’s why we’re asking our riders to consider making an online donation this year.” The Marines are also accepting donations of new, unwrapped toes at 3034 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; additional drop-off sites are available here.
