Joint statement by Sens. Warner and Kaine on Silver Line opening

U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine released the following statement after the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority announced on Oct. 31 that the Silver Line expansion to Washington Dulles International Airport will open on Tues., Nov. 15, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday:

“We are pleased to see WMATA move forward on its promise to safely open the Silver Line’s service to Dulles—just in time to provide Virginians with a more convenient and sustainable way to get to the airport to visit loved ones this holiday season. We will continue to work with WMATA and the Metro Safety Commission to ensure Metro riders can safely and easily access the economic, entertainment, and travel opportunities the region has to offer.”

Senators Warner and Kaine have consistently urged WMATA and the Metro Safety Commission to safely and quickly open the Silver Line extension. When Senator Kaine was Governor, he helped broker the deal between Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, WMATA, the Commonwealth, and local governments to construct the Silver Line.  He also led efforts to secure $900 million in federal funds for Phase I of the project.

“Metro leaders welcomed the concurrence on Oct. 25, of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission to gradually return all 7000-series railcars to passenger service,” said Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg. “This is a win for customers, and we are grateful to Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership to reach an agreement that will safely return more 7Ks to service.” 

Also on Oct. 25, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said, “I want to thank the Safety Commission for their collaboration on reaching this important safety milestone, so we have a clear path forward.” 

The revised railcar return to service plan allows Metro to place more 7Ks into passenger service. The increased availability of 7Ks will support opening the Silver Line extension before Thanksgiving and reduce crowding on the Red Line. The plan identifies specific timeframes and well-defined steps for Metro to return all trains for safe, reliable passenger service.