Editing Washington Metro (section)

==== COVID-19 and 7000-series derailment (2020–present) ====
Headways have been lengthened as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Washington, D.C.]], starting early 2020. Near-pre-pandemic service was restored at times until October 2021, but due to the [[#Derailments|7000-series derailment near Arlington Cemetery]], and subsequent removal of all 7000-series cars from service (which made up 60% of the WMATA fleet), headways were lengthened again to every 15 minutes on the Red Line and every 30 minutes on all other lines beginning October 19, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dempsey |first1=Tom |title=NTSB has identified 'an additional 21 cars with wheel problems' as Metro investigation continues, says Del. Norton |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/wmata-train-derailment-metro-dc-transportation-ntsb/65-258bff48-d49e-435b-8ca7-6ffd508bae30 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |agency=WUSA9 |date=October 19, 2021}}</ref>

Since then, with more 7000-series cars returning, headways have been gradually restored to near-pre-pandemic levels, especially outside of peak times, with ridership also increasing as a result. As of September 2024, several lines are actually more frequent than 2019 levels during certain times of day on weekdays and/or weekends. The Red Line's evening headways improved from every 15 minutes in 2019 to every 10 minutes in 2024. In 2019, all lines except the Red Line had 20-minute evening headways, whereas in 2024 the Green and Yellow Lines run every 8 minutes during evenings and the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines every 15. Sunday service improved to match Monday-Friday off-peak and Saturday levels of every 6 minutes on the Red Line, every 8 minutes on the Green and Yellow Lines, and every 12 minutes on the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines, compared to the previous 8 minutes on the Red Line and 15 minutes on all other lines. The Yellow and Green Lines also currently run every 6 minutes during rush hours starting 2023 (and off-peak hours on weekdays starting 2024) for the first time since major peak service cuts in 2017 that eliminated Rush Plus and decreased rush hour frequencies on all lines except the Blue Line from 6 to 8 minutes.