Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 7000-7747
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 7000-7747 are subway cars, collectively known as the 7000 Series, built by Kawasaki Rail Car for the Washington Metro. These cars will facilitate the Dulles Corridor Metrorail (Silver Line) Project, the replacement of the 1000 Series, 4000 Series, and 5000 series, in addition to added capacity. The 7000 series also have a number of new features and amenities.
History
WMATA identified the need for 128 new cars as part of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (Silver Line). Preliminary design began in 2006 with input from passengers and employees. In December 2008, WMATA issued a request for proposals for the procurement of the new cars.[1] Seven manufacturers submitted proposals, three of which were invited to submit final proposals: Alstom, Bombardier, and Kawasaki.[2]
On May 27, 2010, the Metro Board of Directors approved the contract that would see Kawasaki supply up to 428 new cars. The base order of 64 cars and option of another 64 cars are going towards the Silver line. An option of 300 cars are going towards replacing the 1000 Series cars. The first cars were expected to arrive in 2013 with all cars in service by 2016.[3] In April 2013, the Metro Board exercised an option for 100 cars to replace the 4000 Series. Further options of 90 and 130 cars for fleet expansion were taken later in the year.[4]
The prototype cars began construction at the end of 2012. WMATA unveiled the first 7000 Series train on January 6, 2014. The set began extensive testing through to 2015. On April 14, 2015, the first 7000 series train entered service on the Blue Line. As of August 2017, the 7000 Series cars are used on all Metrorail lines.
Design
The cars are designed to operate in sets of four with the cars at either end the only cars with cabs. The elimination of cabs in half the cars allows for greater capacity. The interior also features more longitudinal seating to improve flow and add capacity. The passenger seats feature improved ergonomics and are cantilevered to facilitate cleaning under them. Other new features include: CCTV cameras, LCD displays, and LED maps.[5] Many of these features were adopted and designed with input from passengers.
Appearance wise, the 7000 Series is a large departure from WMATA's existing cars. They feature bare stainless steel sides and gloss black glass-fibre reinforced plastic operating end. The tapering shape of the car is reminiscent of the previous cars. The cars are built with improved crash energy management features and new passenger amenities.