7000 Series Train Enters Service on the Red Line on Monday (VIDEO)
The next 7000-series train enters passenger service Monday, June 8th, on the Red Line. The first trip will depart from Shady Grove Station at 7:01 a.m. on June 8. The trains arrived on Friday, see WMATA video below:
#newtrain 7000-series Red Line scheduled departures for Monday AM: Depart Shady Grove @ 7:01 a.m.; Depart Glenmont @ 8:13 a.m. #wmata
— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) June 8, 2015
According to a WMATA news release issued in late March, the 7000-series cars feature new technologies that are generations ahead of Metro’s current railcars, all of which were designed to be “backward compatible” with Metro’s oldest cars, the 1000-series. For example, Metro’s current railcars use analog technology for onboard public address announcements, whereas the P.A. systems on 7000-series cars will be entirely digital and feature clear, automated announcements.
Safety is at the forefront in the design of the 7000-series cars, which are:
–Built to meet improved crashworthiness standards to absorb maximum energy in the event of a collision;
–Equipped with event recorders, meeting federal requirements;
–Constructed to meet rigorous fire safety standards, including those from the National Fire Protection Association and the American Public Transportation Association;
–Equipped with digital video surveillance systems, providing full coverage of the passenger area, operator cab and front windshield, and
–Equipped with “anti-climbers” that help keep cars upright and in-line in the event of a collision.
The new rail cars include a customer-preferred blue and grey interior color scheme and offer a slate of new features and customer amenities, including:
–Stainless steel car body for increased durability;
–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;
–LCD map displays to allow customers to easily track their location;
–LED screens that provide current and upcoming station information;
–Improved seats that provide more knee room and better lumbar support;
–Wider aisles (34 inches verses 32 inches on older cars) to facilitate movement within the car
and additional space near the doors for standees and wheelchairs;
Resilient nonslip flooring, rather than carpet;
High-tech automated public address systems;
Closed circuit cameras for added safety and security;
More reliable door systems using proven technology;
Added handholds in the door area and vertical poles added at each seat – for a total of 25% more linear feet of bars than in Metro’s 6000-series cars; and
Enhanced lighting and privacy screens in the vestibule area.
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