After a month-long interruption to Muni Metro service between Montgomery and West Portal stations, regular service will resume today, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). 

"The testing went well," SFMTA public information officer Erica Kato told Hoodline. "The shutdowns are done and we want to thank everyone for their patience." 

The service interruption closed Metro lines on weekday evenings and weekends while the agency conducted required tests on new Light-rail Vehicles (LRVs) expected to join the fleet later this year. 

Five new cars—constructed by Siemens in Sacramento under a $1.2 billion contract—are the first upgrades to Muni trains as part of the 2014 SFMTA Transit Fleet Management Plan, with additional support approved last week as part of the agency's 20-year capital plan. 

Kato previously told Hoodline each new vehicle is required to complete 1,000 test hours as a safety precaution and to make sure the LRVs are running properly before being integrated into regular service. 

She added that riders should see improvements in service and more reliable doors with the new trains, which will also be equipped with updated braking systems and improved better visibility for train operators. 

"[W]e are confident that the new LRVs will provide a more comfortable and reliable ride," she said. 

There are still some minor tests that need to be conducted, however, Kato said, but they won't affect regular Muni service.