Now, they should make a helluva bar one day.
From WMATA:
“Metro has selected Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (” Hitachi Rail “) to build the system’s 8000 series railroad cars in the United States. The contract, worth up to $ 2.2 billion, includes a basic order of 256 wagons. with options to build up to 800 in the fleet. The project is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in the region.
“We are delighted with this critical investment in safe and reliable rail cars and services for Metro customers, made possible by the region’s dedicated funding commitment,” said Paul C. Smedberg, Chairman of the Board. “The capital investments we make in our transit system also support our business, the environment and the quality of life in the region of national capital.”
Metro’s 8000 series railroad cars will improve the design and features of the new fleet of 7000 series cars, the most reliable in Metro history. The basic order, which includes state-of-the-art safety technology and mechanical design, will replace Metro’s 2000 and 3000 series railroad cars, which have been in operation since the early 1980s and were designed to be “backward compatible” with Metro Design’s 1970s.
“The 8000 Series wagons will modernize the Metro fleet, Hitachi builds on the success of the newest 7000 Series cars to provide reliable, comfortable and safe transportation for our region and contribute to the local economy,” said Paul General Manager / CEO Metro J. Wiedefeld. “The new wagons will take everything customers like about the 7000 series and incorporate the latest technology and features that will serve hundreds of millions of passengers over the 40-year life of the cars.”
REINVESTMENTS IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The 8000 Series wagons are funded using new dedicated revenue streams established by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. In recognition of the region’s commitment to the long-term future of Metro, Metro has structured the procurement process to encourage the reinvestment of the local tax dollar in the regional economy. Hitachi is exploring locations in the region with the intention of adding an assembly plant for the 8000 series wagons, which will result in direct and indirect local jobs and return Metro investment to the local economy.
“Today, it is our privilege to help one of the most important transit agencies in the country to secure its fleet in the future,” said Andrew Barr, CEO of Hitachi Rail Group. “For Hitachi Rail, the growth of our company’s business translates into direct and indirect jobs in the US. Additional capital investment in assembly and production in the region will provide growth to the US rail market to meet growing demand. We also believe that our downstream supply chain offers considerable opportunities for the participation of diverse businesses. We appreciate diversity in the workplace and in the marketplace. ”
Although there are no US manufacturers of rail passenger cars, Metro has included aggressive targets in its call for proposals to secure investment in local vendors.
8000 SERIES EXPERIENCE
The 8000 Series will further enhance the customer experience on board more digital screens and real-time information, dynamic maps, electrical outlets for charging personal devices and additional hands-on all inside.
In addition, the new wagons are based on the joint commitment of Metro and Hitachi to sustainability. The cars are designed to be lighter, safer and more energy efficient, with improved regenerative braking technology, ventilation improvements, high-definition cameras and strict cyber security requirements to enhance security.
Hitachi Rail was selected through a competitive procurement process. Hitachi Rail’s current operating footprint in the US includes East and West Coast wagon assembly plants, as well as a factory dedicated to signaling solutions in the Carolinas. Hitachi is currently building wagons for transit systems in Baltimore, Honolulu and Miami. ”