Washington Transit Agency's New Railcars Unveiled
The first 7000-series train will be tested for months before the new cars carry passengers, according to the agency.
Politicians from throughout Maryland are scheduled to be on hand Jan. 6 when the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit, known as Metro, unveils its newest railcars. This 7000-series train begins "a new era of safety, comfort and convenience for Metrorail riders," and it answers a National Transportation Safety Board recommendation by replacing the agency's oldest rolling stock, according to the agency.
Among those scheduled to attend are U.S. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Washington, D.C., Mayor Vincent C. Gray, NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff, and Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. The first train will be tested for several months before the new cars enter passenger service, according to the transit agency.
The ceremony will take place at the agency's Greenbelt station at 10:30 a.m. EST. According to the agency, the railcar contract was awarded to Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. on July 26, 2010, for 528 railcars.
These railcars have a stainless steel body, closed circuit TV cameras, LCD map displays and LED screens to help passengers find their track location, wider aisles, non-slip flooring, digital public address systems, and more reliable door systems, according to Metro.