Metro News Release

For immediate release: July 31, 2006

Federal Transit Administration and Metro Sign Agreement To Purchase New Rail Cars

The Federal Transit Administration and Metro today entered into a $173.3 million agreement to buy dozens of new 6000 series rail cars. The Federal Government is committing $104 million in federal funds over the next three years so Metro can implement 20 percent eight-car train operations by the end of this year. The remaining funds will be contributed by the local jurisdictions which Metro serves.

The first of the new 6000 series rail cars which are scheduled to enter passenger service later this summer, feature an interior that has been completely redesigned to allow for additional standing room and easier access to all portions of the car. By expanding to 20 percent eight-car train operations by the end of the year, Metrorail will be able to transport 14,000 more people per hour on an average weekday or in case of an emergency.

"We are pleased that the federal government has stepped up and recognized the critical role Metro plays in moving the federal workforce," said Gladys Mack, Metro Board Chair. "Metro was built primarily to serve the Federal Government and nearly half of our peak ridership are federal employees," said Mrs. Mack.

With gasoline prices skyrocketing and Metrorail ridership projected to rise five percent in the next year, additional rail cars are urgently needed to alleviate severe crowding, said Metro officials.

As the Ranking Member of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.), and the area congressional delegation stewarded this agreement through the legislative process, including it in the recently enacted transit funding bill and making sure the federal government followed through with the action. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman, also was instrumental in securing this funding.

"Metro and this region owe a tremendous debt to Senator Sarbanes, not only for his support of this agreement, but for his role in helping to create, build, maintain and operate the system over the past three decades," said Dan Tangherlini Metro’s Interim General Manager. "Metro will be losing a great friend when Senator Sarbanes retires."

The $173.3 million agreement is part of a larger $600 million, six-year rail car program to buy 122 rail cars, upgrade traction power facilities, train control and rail yards to accommodate the new cars. Suburban Maryland, northern Virginia and the District of Columbia will provide approximately $500 million toward the cost of the new rail cars and facilities, 83 percent of the cost, while the federal government will cover 17 percent.

Dan Tangherlini signing the agreement surrounded by Metro staff.

News release issued on July 31, 2006.