Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
Editorials & Other Articles
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
WMATA's first 7000-series train to debut on Blue Line
WMATA's first 7000-series train to debut on Blue LineTuesday, March 31, 2015
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) system's first 7000-series metro train from Kawasaki Rail Car USA will enter passenger service April 14, on the Blue Line. ... 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 WMATA's six jurisdictions: Fairfax County, the city of Alexandria, Arlington County, the District of Columbia and Prince George's County.
....
WMATA has ordered 528 of the new railcars, enough to replace all 1000- and 4000-series cars and expand the size of the fleet by 128 cars. Options to purchase an additional 220 cars can be exercised if funding is committed by midyear. Funding jurisdictions have all indicated that they are inclined to support purchasing the additional 220 cars.
Safety is at the forefront in the design of the 7000-series cars, which are built with CEM (crash energy management) 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.
Unlike earlier railcar series that can be mixed and matched within a single train, the 7000-series cars will operate only with other 7000-series cars, and all of the new trains will all be eight cars in length. The cars will also be in a quad-unit configuration, meaning that the cars will operate in four-car sets, allowing the accommodation of 40 more passengers per eight-car train than in older models because of fewer operator compartments.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) system's first 7000-series metro train from Kawasaki Rail Car USA will enter passenger service April 14, on the Blue Line. ... 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 WMATA's six jurisdictions: Fairfax County, the city of Alexandria, Arlington County, the District of Columbia and Prince George's County.
....
WMATA has ordered 528 of the new railcars, enough to replace all 1000- and 4000-series cars and expand the size of the fleet by 128 cars. Options to purchase an additional 220 cars can be exercised if funding is committed by midyear. Funding jurisdictions have all indicated that they are inclined to support purchasing the additional 220 cars.
Safety is at the forefront in the design of the 7000-series cars, which are built with CEM (crash energy management) 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.
Unlike earlier railcar series that can be mixed and matched within a single train, the 7000-series cars will operate only with other 7000-series cars, and all of the new trains will all be eight cars in length. The cars will also be in a quad-unit configuration, meaning that the cars will operate in four-car sets, allowing the accommodation of 40 more passengers per eight-car train than in older models because of fewer operator compartments.
WMATA launches service of new 7000-series rail cars
4/14/2015
Rail News: Passenger Rail
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) debuted the first of its 7000-series rail cars on its Blue Line as part of the agency's effort to improve safety and rider comfort.
In a ceremony yesterday, U.S. Department of Transportation, state and local officials joined WMATA representatives to mark the cars' arrival.
Rail News: Passenger Rail
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) debuted the first of its 7000-series rail cars on its Blue Line as part of the agency's effort to improve safety and rider comfort.
In a ceremony yesterday, U.S. Department of Transportation, state and local officials joined WMATA representatives to mark the cars' arrival.