The 7000-series train’s interior includes 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, wider aisles and other features. Photo courtesy of WMATA
It is a project that has been five years in the making. On April 14, the Washington Metro’s new 7000-series train debuted, transporting passengers from the Franconia-Springfield Station on Tuesday morning.
“Good morning, customers. Welcome aboard Metrorail’s new 7000-series train,” said the operator as the train pulled into the station.
“The ride was so nice. It is smooth, spacious and beautiful,” said Goodie Da’ve, from Kingstowne. The new train serviced the Blue Line during rush hour starting at 7:12 a.m., and did so again during the evening rush hour. It was taken out of service in the afternoon for training purposes.
“It’s all silver,” said Franconia station manager, B.J. Robinson about the train.
But some who did not expect to see a new train were hesitant.
“A lady wouldn’t get on at Van Dorn at first because she didn’t recognize the train. It is so nice,” Robinson continued. The new trains ran from Springfield to Largo, Md., and are described as “the most significant milestone to date.” They have also been redesigned to ensure passenger safety.
“The trains are built by Kawasaki,” said Robinson. Metro voted to purchase the 7000-series cars, built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company, back in 2010 in light of the 2009 crash that resulted in nine deaths. It was decided, then, that the 1000-series cars being used were not able to protect passengers. Metro has ordered 528 new cars, enough to replace all of its 1000 and 4000-series cars. The trains include upgraded safety features as well as an improved and entirely digital P.A. system. New technological updates caught the attention of riders.
“It has flat screens and also showed costs, bus routes. There’s no need to leave your seat to look at the map anymore,” said Tami Gilchrest, from Springfield. “There are better lights and also more leg room.”
None of the new cars can be combined with older cars in the series.
The second 7000-series train is undergoing testing, and expected to be released on the Red Line in the near future.
The new 7000-series train is Metro’s first upgrade since 2006.