WMATA Rail Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a Metrorail train must be evacuated in a tunnel, passengers should generally be directed toward:
- The nearest station along the safest path away from hazards (Correct answer)
- The center of the tunnel
- The third rail side
- An adjacent moving track
Correct answer: The nearest station along the safest path away from hazards
Evacuation moves passengers to the nearest station by the safest route away from danger.
Question 2: What does a switch (turnout) allow a train to do?
- Move from one track to another (Correct answer)
- Increase its top speed
- Recharge its motors
- Change its fare zone
Correct answer: Move from one track to another
A switch guides a train from one track onto a diverging track.
Question 3: The 'foul time' or 'foul zone' near a track refers to the area where a worker:
- Could be struck by a passing train (Correct answer)
- Can safely stand during operations
- Must store tools
- Boards the train
Correct answer: Could be struck by a passing train
The fouling zone is the space where a person could be hit by a moving train.
Question 4: On rail systems, a 'dead man' control or alerter requires the operator to:
- Periodically respond to prove they are alert (Correct answer)
- Pay a toll
- Sound the horn at every station
- Manually open the doors
Correct answer: Periodically respond to prove they are alert
An alerter forces periodic operator response and stops the train if there is none.
Question 5: Why are rail expansion joints used on track?
- To accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the rail (Correct answer)
- To brake the train
- To collect fares
- To anchor signals
Correct answer: To accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the rail
Expansion joints allow rail to lengthen and shorten with temperature changes.
Question 6: A train operator approaching a station should begin braking based on:
- Marker boards and speed restrictions for a smooth, on-target stop (Correct answer)
- The color of the platform
- Passenger requests only
- The time of day
Correct answer: Marker boards and speed restrictions for a smooth, on-target stop
Operators use station marker boards and speed limits to brake for an accurate stop.
Question 7: What is the function of a 'trip stop' or train stop device beside the track?
- To automatically apply brakes if a train passes a stop signal (Correct answer)
- To dispense water
- To clean the wheels
- To measure passenger count
Correct answer: To automatically apply brakes if a train passes a stop signal
A train stop forces emergency braking if a train overruns a stop signal.
WMATA Rail Systems 3
When a Metrorail train must be evacuated in a tunnel, passengers should generally be directed toward: