Software issue stalls morning Metro Rail commute

Metro Rail riders were anywhere from minutes to hours late to work Friday morning.

The delay was due to a problem with software that controls rail communications.

Friday morning Metro Rail passengers did more waiting than riding. Daniel Cabe arrived an hour behind schedule. "A little bit late for work, but heading on the way,” said Cabe.

Others fared better reporting minutes long delays.

"I have to be at work at 8, so a little late this morning,” said Becky Vasquez.

"It's not like it's the end of the world, it's a little inconvenient,” said Tyler Wolfe.

According to Cap Metro, the rail system experienced a problem with the software that allows the dispatch center to communicate with rail signals. "It's what leads our rail to know where they can go and when,” said spokesperson Mariette Hummel.

The connection started going and out Thursday night. Spokesperson Mariette Hummel says to keep passengers safe, trains were held at stations when the system would go down. Trains would run when the system was working properly.

Cabe described his ride, "Between Howard and Kramer. The train stopped. The conductor gave us updates every 5 minutes, but he didn't know what was going on. We later found out through Twitter there was some technical issues. Within 45 minutes, I believe, we started going and finally getting to downtown."

By 10 a.m. the problem was fixed.

However, passengers could still experience slight delays from scheduling issues. Metro Rail added more trains this week and is working out a few kinks in how to more efficiently move the trains around.

"We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We really understand that commuters need to get where they need to be on time. That is a priority for us,” said Hummel.