Do you think the Washington DC Metro is trying to save energy, or make more money?

Question

They are claiming to be running at lower capacity during this heat wave, to "prevent blackouts" in the DC Metro Region.

Given the Metro's historically poor management, and given the Metros's need to become more profitable, do you think the Washington DC Metro is taking advantage of this heat wave to increase it's Passenger per train ratio? Thereby making the Metro more profitable?

Answer 1

They could be trying to save on higher electricity bills, yes.  Electricity rates are higher during such high-demand periods.  But at the same time, subways do use an incredible amount of energy, so any cutback in subway service would make a difference in terms of prevent blackouts.  So the answer is probably both.

Answer 2

honestly, i think they are trying to cut back on power usage, as are other subways around the country, aka MBTA in Boston and MTA in New York City.  the amount of people getting on one train is irrelevant, as it only matters how many people go through the turnstyles with a ticket, to access the trains themselves, and not the volume of people on one train