Metro News Release
For immediate release: October 10, 2012
Metro unveils new 7000-series railcar mockup
A major milestone toward improving safety, reliability and customer convenience was reached today as Metro today unveiled a new full-scale mock-up of its next generation railcars at an event in Landover, Md. The new cars, known as the 7000-series, represent the largest investment in Metro’s fleet in the system’s history.
“For all that Metro does to keep government running, get people to work and get cars off the road, this investment in Metro is about safety. These new 7000 series cars are the next generation of safer cars to ride the rails of Washington’s Metro,” said Senator Barbara Mikulski who with Senator Ben Cardin has fought for $1.5 billion in dedicated federal funding over 10 years for Metro safety. “I have fought every year to deliver dedicated funding for Metro’s capital improvements, keeping safety on track on America’s Subway. I will not rest until Metro is safe for those who work on it and those who ride on it.”
“We are pleased that these cars meet stricter safety standards than the cars they will replace,” said Congressman Frank Wolf. "We look forward to Metro offering these new trains on the Silver Line.”
Production of the cars is expected to begin this winter in Lincoln, Nebraska and is being credited with the creation of about 1,000 new jobs nationwide.
“This is an important achievement on our path to improving safety, reliability and customer service,” said Metro Board Chair Catherine Hudgins. “These new railcars represent the next generation of a Metro that will continue to expand and grow with the region in the decades ahead.”
The new fleet of railcars will offer a full slate of safety enhancements and customer amenities, including:
- Stainless steel car body for increased durability
- Closed circuit television cameras for added safety and security
- LCD map displays to allow customers to easily track their location
- LED screens that provide current and upcoming station information
- Improved seats that provide more knee room and better lumbar support
- Wider aisles to facilitate movement within the car
- Additional space near the doors for standees and wheelchairs
- Resilient nonslip flooring, rather than carpet
- Digital public address systems for improved announcement clarity
- More reliable door systems using proven technology
“The safety of our passengers is our absolute highest priority,” said General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. “The introduction of these new cars will allow us to address another NTSB recommendation and remove all 1000-series cars from service, increasing the overall safety and reliability of the system.”
Metro recently announced the closure of five NTSB recommendations.
The hard mock-up will remain on Metro property this month to allow Metro railcar engineers, mechanical teams and train operators to review the design in detail. Following that, the car will be moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to facilitate the production of revenue-service cars.
News release issued at 12:34 pm, October 10, 2012.