Now these should become a great bar one day.
From WMATA:
Metro has selected Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (“Hitachi Rail”) to build the system’s 8000 Series multiple units in the US 800 in the fleet. The project is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in the region.
“We are excited about this critical investment in safe and reliable rail cars and service for Metro customers, enabled by the region’s committed funding commitment,” said Chairman of the Board Paul C. Smedberg. “The capital investments we make in our transit system also support our businesses, our environment and our quality of life in the national capital region.”
Metro’s 8000 Series trainsets will enhance the design and features of the new fleet of 7000 Series cars, the most reliable in Metro history. The base order, which includes state-of-the-art safety technology and mechanical design, replaces Metro’s legacy 2000 and 3000 series trainsets, which have been in use since the early 1980s and are designed to be ‘backward compatible’ with those of Metro . 1970s design.
“The 8000 Series EMUs are modernizing the Metro fleet with Hitachi building on the success of the latest 7000 Series cars to provide reliable, comfortable and safe transportation for our region and contribute to the local economy,” said Metro General Manager / CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “The new trainsets take everything that customers love about the 7000 Series and include the latest technology and features that will serve hundreds of millions of passengers over the 40-year life of the cars.”
REINVESTMENT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The 8000 Series trainsets are funded using new specific revenue streams established by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. In recognition of the region’s commitment to Metro’s long-term future, Metro has structured the procurement process to encourage reinvestment of local tax dollars in the regional economy. Hitachi is exploring sites in the region with plans to add an assembly plant for the 8000 Series EMUs that will create direct and indirect local jobs and recoup Metro’s investments in the local economy.
“Today, it is our privilege to help one of the nation’s top transportation companies future-proof its fleet,” said Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail Group’s Chief Executive Officer. “For Hitachi Rail, the growth of our business translates into direct and indirect jobs in the US. Further capital investment in assembly and manufacturing in the region will provide the growing US railroad market to meet increasing demand. We also believe that our downstream supply chain offers significant opportunities for the participation of various business ventures. We value diversity in the workplace and in the marketplace. “
While there are no US passenger car manufacturers, Metro has included aggressive targets in its proposal for a proposal to secure investment in local vendors.
THE 8000 SERIES EXPERIENCE
The 8000 Series will further enhance the customer’s onboard experience more digital screens and real-time information, dynamic maps, sockets for charging personal devices and extra handles throughout the interior.
In addition, the new trains build on Metro and Hitachi’s shared commitment to sustainability. The cars are designed to be lighter, safer and more energy efficient with improved regenerative braking technology, ventilation system improvements, high-definition cameras and strict cyber security requirements to improve safety.
Hitachi Rail has been selected through a competitive procurement process. Hitachi Rail’s current operating footprint in the US includes railcar assembly plants on the East and West coasts, as well as a plant dedicated to signaling solutions in the Carolinas. Hitachi currently builds railcars for transit systems in Baltimore, Honolulu and Miami. “