Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 7, 2007

Metro Tests Spring-Loaded Overhead Handles on Metrorail Car

Metro is testing spring-loaded overhead handles on a new rail car to give shorter customers who are standing in the aisles something to hold onto for balance and comfort.

Twenty spring-loaded stainless handles have been evenly distributed along the overhead grab bars in rail car #6027. When pivoted down, the handles are eight inches lower than the existing ceiling-mounted grab bars. This new feature allows shorter customers to have an easier time holding onto an overhead mounted hand rail. Cameras were installed in the rail car to record passenger movements so Metro officials can determine how customers are using the new handles.

The series 6000 railcars, which were introduced last fall, include a double row of handrails along the entire ceiling, seat-back to ceiling poles installed along the aisles, interior electronic next station signs at front, center, and rear of car that indicates line color and door opening side, and an emergency call box station located at the center of the car. Forty-two of these rail cars are now in service.

“We want to find out if these handles can make it easier for more of our customers to ride safely and comfortably, remembering that at peak times most of them are standing,” said Chris Zimmerman, Metro Board member from Arlington County.

Introducing spring-loaded handles is part of an effort to improve passenger flow aboard Metrorail cars. Last year, Metro redesigned the interiors of some railcars for testing. The remodeled cars included new interior layout bench seating, more overhead grab bars, and an open floor area near the doors to accommodate more customers.

Metro will test rail car #6027, with the spring-loaded handles on the Green, Red and Orange lines, for up to three months.

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News release issued at 12:00 am, February 7, 2007.