New Metro Cars to Make Debut Tuesday on Blue Line

The new 7000 series Metro cars will debut on the Blue Line next Tuesday.

The first train in regular passenger service with eight 7000 series cars will depart from Franconia-Springfield shortly after 7 a.m. on April 14. The Blue Line serves five of Metro’s six jurisdictions: Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County.

“Safety must always be at the forefront of everything we do, and that is exactly what this investment in our railcar fleet is all about,” said Metro Board Chair Mort Downey. “The 7000-series cars represent a significant improvement in safety, reliability and rider comfort, and on behalf of the Metro Board of Directors, I look forward to welcoming our customers aboard in less than three weeks time.”

The 7000-series cars feature new technologies that are generations ahead of Metro’s current railcars, all of which were designed to be “backward compatible” with Metro’s oldest cars, the 1000-series. For example, Metro’s current railcars use analog technology for onboard public address announcements, whereas the P.A. systems on 7000-series cars will be entirely digital and feature clear, automated announcements.

Safety is at the forefront in the design of the 7000-series cars, which are:

• Built to meet improved crashworthiness standards to absorb maximum energy in the event of a collision,
• Equipped with event recorders, meeting federal requirements,
• Constructed to meet rigorous fire safety standards, including those from the National Fire Protection Association and the American Public Transportation Association,
• Equipped with digital video surveillance systems, providing full coverage of the passenger area, operator cab and front windshield, and
• Equipped with “anti-climbers” that help keep cars upright and in-line in the event of a collision.

The new rail cars include a customer-preferred blue and grey interior color scheme and offer a slate of new features and customer amenities, including:

• Stainless steel car body for increased durability
• 64 vinyl padded seats and seat-back hand grasps
• Six different station destination signs, including two dynamic LCD route maps and four video screens in each car
• 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 (34 inches verses 32 inches on older cars) to facilitate movement within the car
• Additional space near the doors for standees and wheelchairs
• Resilient nonslip flooring, rather than carpet
• High-tech automated public address systems
• Closed circuit cameras for added safety and security
• More reliable door systems using proven technology
• Added handholds in the door area and vertical poles added at each seat – for a total of 25% more linear feet of bars than in Metro’s 6000-series cars
• Enhanced lighting and privacy screens in the vestibule area