At least two riders lent a helping hand during the Green Line's meltdown Wednesday evening, according to a memo from Metro General Manager Richard Sarles.

Thousands of riders were trapped in dark, hot trains in a tunnel near the Anacostia station after a mechanical problem led a Metro employee to shut off power to a section of the track. Thousands more were stranded on platforms and had to ride packed shuttles.

One rider helped a pregnant woman by carrying her toddler off a dark train, Sarles said in an employee newsletter Friday.

Another shared her cell phone with fellow riders so they could call loved ones and tell them about the delay, Sarles said.

"While I have thanked the D.C. Fire Department and National Park Service Police for their effective assistance, I also want to thank our employees - especially bus operators - who helped customers find their way home," Sarles said in the newsletter. "I received numerous customer commendations for the operator of one of the incident trains who kept his passengers calm with his reassuring tone and constant communication. This extra care for our customers is what I expect, and they deserve, so thanks to all who went the extra mile."

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Sarles on Thursday apologized for the delays and, in an usual move, met with riders at the Navy Yard station to talk about their experiences. Metro has promised an investigation into the incident.

lessley@washingtonexaminer.com