Metro Takes Control Of Silver Line In Northern Va.

McLEAN, Va. (AP) -- The agency that runs the D.C. region's Metrorail system has assumed formal control of the new Silver Line in northern Virginia.

The formal transfer Tuesday starts a 90-day clock by which Metro expects to begin passenger service on the line, which runs through Tysons Corner between Falls Church and Reston.

In a conference call with reporters, Metro Deputy General Manager Rob Troup said he is confident Metro will be able to complete its work in the next 90 days and begin service, but offered no guarantees that service would begin by the end of August.

Testing and training still must occur, not only by Metro but also by the Federal Transit Administration.

The $2.9 billion project was supposed to have opened to the public last year.