MetroRail delayed until at least May 15

MetroRail delayed until at least May 15

By Kara Vaught Friday, 20 March 2009

At 2:01 p.m. March 20, Capital Metro announced the March 28 MetroRail grand opening celebrations for the commuter rail service from Leander to downtown Austin are cancelled and train service will be delayed indefinitely.

The Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation today notified Capital Metro of additional alleged violations committed by employees of rail contractor Veolia Transportation.

Earlier this month, Capital Metro announced the March 30 opening of the MetroRail would be delayed to allow for more training of Veolia employees after two train operators allegedly entered sections of track without authorization. At that time, Capital Metro representatives said March 28 grand opening celebrations would continue as planned.

In a statement to media March 20, Capital Metro president and CEO Fred Gilliam said he has called for Veolia to replace its safety director.

In the meantime, rail experts from Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will assist Capital Metro in preparing the MetroRail for operation.

Gilliam will present the status of the MetroRail and an action plan by May 15.

“Capital Metro is deeply disappointed over this delay, but under no circumstances will we jeopardize safety by rushing this process,” he said.