First 7000 series metro enters test phase

Washington’s new 7000 series metro trains are on course to enter service later this year as testing gets underway on the first vehicle this week.

Subway operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has ordered 528 new 7000 series cars, the majority of which will be used to meet safety recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to completely replace the ageing 1000 series trains.

WMATA announced that testing will take place over the next few months. Metro will then relay the data collected to Kawasaki who will make final adjustments to the design before starting full production later in the year.

The first 7000 series train arrived at Greenbelt Station this week during an official unveiling for state officials.

Congressman Steny Hoyer said: “The 7000 series of rail cars represents a giant leap forward for Metro.

“Not only will this next generation of rail cars meet the growing transportation needs of our region, but they will increase the safety of Metro for millions of residents, commuters, and visitors. I’m also pleased that these state-of-the-art rail cars were built right here in America.”

WMATA has said that by 2018 is expects more than half of its fleet to be made up of 7000 series cars, with an additional 220 cars expected to be ordered in 2015.

The new trains will enter service in mid-2014 and run in eight-car configurations.




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