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WMATA: Metro’s new railcars beset with problems


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 26 March 2015 - 03:26 PM

WMATA news release:


For immediate release: March 26, 2015


Metro's first 7000-series train to debut April 14 on the Blue Line
New generation of safety in Metro's railcar fleet

 

7karr.jpg?The date is set, Metro customers, and your new ride will soon be here.

Metro has announced that the system’s first 7000-series train will enter passenger service Tuesday, April 14, on the Blue Line.

 

The introduction of the first new train will be the most significant milestone to date for a project that has spanned nearly five years from approval and funding, through design and engineering, to testing and certification.

 

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.

 

“The 7000-series is an entirely new generation of railcars at Metro – a fleet that is, by design, revolutionary as opposed to evolutionary,” said Metro Interim General Manager and CEO Jack Requa. “The cars were built to maximize safety while providing enhanced rider comfort and reliability. We are excited to welcome riders aboard their new trains.”

 

Requa noted that the second 7000-series train is already undergoing testing and is expected to quickly follow the first train into passenger service.

Metro has ordered 528 of the new railcars, enough to replace all 1000- and 4000-series cars and expand the size of the Metro fleet by 128 cars. Options to purchase an additional 220 cars at favorable pricing can be exercised if funding is committed by midyear. Metro’s 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 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 modern rail cars are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology and features designed with extensive customer input.  Through the project’s Customer Design Team, actual Metro riders participated in the design of the new railcars at every phase of the process. In addition, seat design options were tested with Metrorail riders in several stations, and Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) and Riders’ Advisory Council (RAC) provided input.

 

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

Video Photo Gallery

 

 

 



#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 26 March 2015 - 09:58 PM

WTOP radio, 3/26:
 

First 7000-series train to roll on the Blue Line

 

7000-metro-cars.jpg
A train of the newest generation of Metro cars is parked at Union Station Thursday ready to take its first passengers for a ride. Metro announced Thursday that the first train of eight, 7000-series cars will roll out April 14. (WTOP/Ari Ashe)

WASHINGTON — Blue Line riders will be the first to travel on the newest generation of Metro trains beginning next month.

 

Metro announced Thursday that the first train with eight of the new 7000-series rail cars will roll out about 7 a.m. April 14 from Franconia-Springfield then head to Largo Town Center.

 

The announcement is a major milestone for the public transit system and comes after nearly a year of testing of the new cars. Metro will also put a second 7000-series train into passenger service in the coming weeks.

 

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#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 10 April 2015 - 06:05 PM

WMATA 4/10:

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media preview ride aboard first 7000-series train - Monday, April 13

 

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

On the eve of its passenger debut, Metro will host a media preview ride aboard the first 7000-series train.

The event will take place Monday, April 13, at 1 p.m. at Reagan National Airport Metrorail Station. A brief speaking program will precede the train's departure. 

WHAT 7000-series train media preview ride 
Photo opportunity & speaking program
 

WHO

  • U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Victor Mendez
  • Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe
  • District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser
  • U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly
  • U.S. Representative Don Beyer
  • U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock
  • MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter
  • Hiroyasu Izumi, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan
  • Hiroji Iwasaki, CEO, Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc.
  • Mortimer Downey, Metro Board Chair
  • Jack Requa, Metro Interim General Manager and CEO
     

WHERE    Reagan National Airport Metrorail Station (platform level)
 

WHEN Monday, April 13, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
 

NOTES

Members of the news media planning to attend should RSVP in advance by calling (202) 962-1051 or emailing  metronews@wmata.com. 

Cameras in position by 12:50 p.m. please.

 

Parking fees apply at airport facilities.

 

7000-series background

 



#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 14 April 2015 - 10:39 AM

USDOT "Fast Lane" blog, 4/14:

WMATA unveils rail cars; 7000 Series goes into service today
Posted by Therese McMillan

 

Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) formally introduced its new train cars at Metro's National Airport station.

 

The new "7000 Series" cars --made right here in the U.S.-- were not there to pick up passengers (that happens today!). WMATA had the new cars on hand to showcase their next generation features, many of which were designed with the input of WMATA customers and train operators.

 

The 7000 Series will provide a safer, more reliable ride for millions of passengers and help WMATA expand the Metrorail system’s capacity.

 

Deputy Secretary Mendez with FTA Administrator McMillan

WMATA’s 528-car procurement represents the largest investment in Metro’s fleet since the system opened nearly four decades ago. Responding to a recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board, WMATA will use 300 of the new cars to replace its 1000-series railcars; 128 cars will support additional ridership on the system's new Silver Line --64 for Phase 1 and 64 for Phase 2; and 100 cars will replace Metro's 4000-series railcars.

 

WMATA’s oldest series of rail cars has been in service since 1976. And since they came on line, we’ve had 40 years of experience and technological enhancement. So today’s rail cars are a significant step up in both safety and reliability. That’s why the Federal Transit Administration has contributed more than $100 million to help WMATA replace its oldest cars and add more of the new series.

 

Metrorail 7000-series rail cars

Since the first series of Metrorail cars was delivered, every new generation of cars added to the system has had to maintain compatibility with the older series, constraining the range of cars and technologies that WMATA could acquire. By operating four and eight-car trains composed entirely of the 7000 Series cars, WMATA is no longer constrained. So not only are the new cars a technological break with the past; they also create a new foundation for future growth.

 

And that’s critical for a region that’s expected to grow 24 percent to nearly 6.4 million people by 2040.

 

Deputy Secretary Mendez

With FTA's capital investment support and our new safety authority --proposed by President Obama and championed by many of the congressional leaders who joined Deputy Secretary of Transportation Victor Mendez at Monday’s "7000 Series" debut-- DOT is helping transit agencies stay safe, plan for the upkeep and replacement of aging assets, and expand transit service to meet a growing population.

 

But we can do more; we need to do more. Public transportation carried more than 10.8 billion passengers in 2014–the highest ridership level in generations. Every day, transit takes people to work, school, medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other important destinations. That's why GROW AMERICA, the 6-year transportation bill that DOT sent to Congress last month, will increase our annual investment in the Nation's transit systems by 76 percent.

 

Once in service, each of WMATA's 528 new train cars will improve safety and service on the more than 200 million Metrorail trips taken each year. More than that, the future-forward 7000 Series railcars remind us that it's not good enough merely to play catch-up on the existing backlog of transit maintenance; we must innovate for tomorrow.



#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 16 April 2015 - 11:09 AM

The Washington Post, 4/15:
 

So how much did Metro pay for those #newtrain treats?

 

Metro’s new 7000-series railcars made their debut Tuesday to much fanfare. And what’s a debut without a few keepsakes.

 

But the free fans, sunglasses and pins raised eyebrows among Metro watchers, who wanted to know: how much did all this cost?

 

According to Metro spokesman Dan Stessel, the transit authority paid $7,061 for the items — a bargain some might say when compared with the $750,000 it paid to promote the Silver Line. Still, at a time when Metro faces a significant budget shortfall, some may question whether they should have spent anything.

 

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#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 08 June 2015 - 07:26 AM

WTOP radio, 7/23:
 

Metro expands use of 7000-series rail cars

 

WASHINGTON — Metro is expanding its use of next-generation rail cars. Its second 7000-series train will begin servicing the Red Line on Monday, June 8.

 

The latest addition joins Metro’s first 7000-series train, which has been operating on the Blue Line since April 14.

 

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#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 10 June 2015 - 03:43 PM

WMATA advisory:

 

Posted: Jun 10, 2015 Expiration: Jun 30, 2015

Introducing Metro's new 7000 series rail cars

 

Metro customers, your new ride is here. Two new 7000-series trainsets are now running on the Red and Blue lines.

These new cars feature 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.

 

Video:  7000 Series Railcars Arrive

 

Want to catch a ride aboard one to these trains? Here's the current schedule:

blue-dot.pngBLUE LINE schedule*

  • Depart Largo Town Center: 5:35am (arrive Franconia 6:40am)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 6:48am (arrive Largo 7:53am)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 7:59am (arrive Franconia 9:04am)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 9:12am (finish AM 10:17am)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 3:11pm (arrive Franconia 4:16p)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 4:24pm (arrive Largo 5:29p)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 5:35pm (arrive Franconia 6:40p)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 6:48pm (finish PM 7:53pm)

red-dot.pngRED LINE schedule*

  • Depart Shady Grove: 7:01am (arrive Glenmont 8:08am)
  • Depart Glenmont: 8:13am (finish AM 9:20am)
  • Depart Shady Grove: 2:41pm (arrive Glenmont 3:44pm)
  • Depart Glenmont: 3:49pm (arrive Shady Grove 4:56pm)
  • Depart Shady Grove: 5:01pm (arrive Glenmont 6:08pm)
  • Depart Glenmont: 6:13pm (finish PM 7:20pm)

Video:  7000 Series Cars Debut on the Red Line

 

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

Metro has ordered 528 of the new railcars, enough to replace all 1000- and 4000-series cars and expand the size of the Metro fleet by 128 cars. Options to purchase an additional 220 cars at favorable pricing can be exercised if funding is committed by midyear. 

* train schedule subject to change based on operational needs and conditions



#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 July 2015 - 12:33 PM

WMATA Service Advisory:

 

Posted: Jul 20, 2015 Expiration: Jul 30, 2015

Introducing Metro's new 7000 series rail cars

 

Metro customers, your new ride is here. three new 7000-series trainsets are now running on the Red, Orange and Blue lines.

 

These new cars feature 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.

 

Want to catch a ride aboard one to these trains? Here's the current schedule:

 

blue-dot.pngBLUE LINE schedule*

  • Depart Largo Town Center: 5:35am (arrive Franconia 6:40am)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 6:48am (arrive Largo 7:53am)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 7:59am (arrive Franconia 9:04am)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 9:12am (finish AM 10:17am)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 3:11pm (arrive Franconia 4:16p)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 4:24pm (arrive Largo 5:29p)
  • Depart Largo Town Center: 5:35pm (arrive Franconia 6:40p)
  • Depart Franconia-Springfield: 6:48pm (finish PM 7:53pm)

red-dot.pngRED LINE schedule*

  • Depart Shady Grove: 7:01am (arrive Glenmont 8:08am)
  • Depart Glenmont: 8:13am (finish AM 9:20am)
  • Depart Shady Grove: 2:41pm (arrive Glenmont 3:44pm)
  • Depart Glenmont: 3:49pm (arrive Shady Grove 4:56pm)
  • Depart Shady Grove: 5:01pm (arrive Glenmont 6:08pm)
  • Depart Glenmont: 6:13pm (finish PM 7:20pm)

orange-dot.pngORANGE LINE schedule*

  • Depart New Carrollton: 6:28am (arrive Vienna 7:25am)
  • Depart Vienna: 7:29am (arrive New Carrollton 8:26am)
  • Depart New Carrollton: 8:34am (arrive Vienna 9:31am)
  • Depart Vienna: 9:37am (arrive AM 10:34am)
     
  • Depart New Carrollton: 3:16pm (arrive Vienna 4:03pm)
  • Depart Vienna: 4:17pm (arrive New Carrollton 5:14pm)
  • Depart New Carrollton: 5:22pm (arrive Vienna 6:19pm)
  • Depart Vienna: 6:23pm (finish PM 7:20pm)

 

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

Metro has ordered 528 of the new railcars, enough to replace all 1000- and 4000-series cars and expand the size of the Metro fleet by 128 cars. Options to purchase an additional 220 cars at favorable pricing can be exercised if funding is committed by midyear. 

 

* train schedule subject to change based on operational needs and conditions



#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 14 August 2015 - 04:19 PM

WMATA news release, 8/14:

 

Fourth new 7000-series train to enter service Monday

 

Metro's fourth new 7000-series trainset will enter service Monday, August 17, on the Green Line.

 

Departing Greenbelt Station at 5:30 a.m. and Branch Avenue Station at 6:25 a.m., the new train will continue in service throughout morning rush hour and will be assigned to the Green Line.

 

New 7000-series railcars began arriving on the Metrorail system in April and are currently running on the Red, Orange and Blue lines (one trainset on each line). Metro has ordered 748 of the new railcars. A total of 52 have been delivered to date. 

 

 

News release issued at 4:47 pm, August 14, 2015.



#10 CNJRoss

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Posted 12 September 2015 - 08:53 PM

WTOP radio, 9/12:

 

Metro’s new railcars beset with problems

 

WASHINGTON — Metro’s new 7000-series railcars have been billed as much better than the oldest 1000-series railcars and a huge leap towards a safer and more reliable system. But the railcars are suffering from software problems.

 

SNIP

 

“These are software issues that we are encountering,” says Troup. “Software generally protects the car against various things out on the system. There is a line where that protection occurs. We’re looking at software changes on the propulsion systems and on the door systems.”

 

SNIP

 

“Upgrading software on a car is different than software on your home computer,” says Troup. “Software on a railcar requires a significant amount of safety certification to make sure that any lines of code that you change does not adversely affect something else.

More here.






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