2nd DC bus fire prompts removal of 94 buses

States News Service

WASHINGTON — Metro has removed from service 94 Orion VI buses following a fire aboard a bus on Route 50 this morning in Maryland.

There were no passengers aboard the bus in this morning's incident, and no injuries. The bus was being operated by a mechanic at the time.

"Safety is our highest priority, and this is a prudent step until we fully understand the cause," said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. "We will do everything possible to minimize customer impact while these buses are out of service."

The 94 Orion VI buses operate using diesel fuel and were delivered in 2000.

Last Thursday, an Orion VI bus experienced a vehicle fire on I-66 in Fairfax. There were no passengers aboard and no injuries.

Following last week's incident, Metro reduced the use of Orion VI buses, and an outside fire protection engineer was engaged by Metro's Safety Department to take part in the investigation and identify causal factors. The buses will remain out of service until further notice.

Metro operates a fleet of 1,492 buses.

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