WMATA/Metro / KRC Metro and KRC on Feb. 5 reported their “resolution of several ongoing contract disputes regarding, among other things, the [October] 2021 Blue Line derailment of a 7000-series railcar [No. 7200] that led to the entire 7000-series fleet [of 748 cars] being grounded.” A multi-party investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and that included Metro and KRC, found that wheel migration in the 7000-series railcars contributed to the derailment. Metro operates a 128-mile, 98-station rapid transit system that includes six lines, plus 125 bus routes throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Yonkers, N.Y.-based KRC is a U.S. subsidiary of Kawasaki Rail Car Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a Japanese company that is part of the Kawasaki Group led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. “Following the 2021 derailment, and with support from Metro and KRC, the NTSB investigated the root cause,” Metro and KRC said. “The NTSB investigation did not assign responsibility for the cause of wheel migration, and Metro and KRC both deny responsibility or contractual liability for the wheel migration and other technical issues that are now resolved as part of a global contract resolution. The agreement reflects a mutual desire to resolve these issues without litigation, while maintaining a strong and successful partnership for the 7000-series program.” The NTSB observed the inspection and disassembly of wheelset #4 from railcar 7200, which caused the 2021 Metro derailment in Virginia. “In accordance with wheelset design, each wheel should have been flush against its bearing when mounted,” NTSB…
