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Politics & Government

New Rail Cars Coming to Metro by 2021

Agency decides against overhaul of old cars for purchase of new.

 

The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently announced that it will spend $215 million over the next five years to replace some 4000-series rail cars made by Breda Costruzioni Ferroviarie with brand-new 7000-series cars from Kawasaki, according to The Washington Post.

The new rail cars will not have the ubiquitous orange and brown color scheme, and will add additional signs, brighter lights and more handholds. WMATA ordered a total of 428 of the new cars, at a total cost of $886 million, according to the report.

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The 4000-series cars have caused WMATA problems since they were first brought into the system in the early 1990s, but have not been the only cars with issues. The Post has detailed that part of the braking system fell off a 5000-series car, and similar incidents with 2000- and 3000-series cars have been reported.

Historically, Metro has overhauled cars, and the soon-to-be-replaced 4000s were approaching their overhaul date. Metro spokesperson Dan Stessel confirmed to the Post that the agency had decided to replace the cars, rather than attempt to refurbish them.

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Of the 428 new cars, 300 will replace the oldest, 1000-series cars, and the remainder will go to the Silver Line. Metro exercised a contract option to purchase additional 7000-series cars to replace the 4000-series, and told the Post it will take between six and eight years for the cars to be manufactured. 

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