The first of  Washington Metro’s new 7000 series trains are to enter service on the Blue Line today.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) says it is the project’s “most significant milestone to date” – five years since plans to procure the next-generation rolling stock were first approved.
The eight-car series 7000 train will consist of two four-car sets. To date, the authority has ordered 66 complete trains, which will replace the existing 1000 and 4000 series cars.
Metro says it is also leaning toward exercising an option for an additional 220 cars.
Metro Board chairman Mort Downey said: “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.
“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.”
