Hoyer Attends Metro Event to Welcome First 7000-Series Train

GREENBELT, MD – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) joined Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Ben Cardin, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Governor Martin O'Malley, Mayor Vincent Gray, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles, and other officials to welcome the arrival of the first 7000-series train as it arrived at Greenbelt Metro Station. The modern cars will fulfill a critical National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation by replacing Metro's oldest rail cars, the 1000-series, while also adding train capacity.

Congressman Hoyer joined in touring the new cars, which will be tested on the system over the next several months. During the testing phase, Metro will send data back to the Kawasaki production facility in Lincoln, Nebraska to finalize the railcar design process. Full-scale production of the new cars is expected to begin in mid-2014.

"The 7000-series of rail cars represents a giant leap forward for Metro," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. "Not only will this next generation of rail cars meet the growing transportation needs of our region, but they will increase the safety of Metro for millions of residents, commuters, and visitors. I'm also pleased that these state-of-the-art rail cars were built right here in America. Supporting the safety, development, and growth of the Metro system has been a top priority throughout my career, and I will continue to partner with the Washington Metro area delegation to ensure robust funding for the WMATA system. I thank Richard Sarles and the WMATA Board for their dedication to safe and reliable service, and I look forward to seeing the 7000-series cars put into operation soon."

"For all that Metro does to keep government running, get people to work and get cars off the road, this investment in Metro is about safety. These new 7000 series cars are the next generation of safer cars to ride the rails of Washington's Metro," said Senator Barbara Mikulski. "I have fought every year to deliver dedicated funding for Metro's capital improvements, keeping safety on track on America's Subway. I will not rest until Metro is safe for those who work on it and those who ride on it."

"This is all about safety. Metro has a recognized responsibility to keep its riders and its employees as safe as possible. The arrival of new 7000-series cars, made possible by dedicated funding from the federal government and local jurisdictions, translates into greater safety and expanded service for our communities, especially the federal government which relies on Metro daily and in times of crisis," said Senator Ben Cardin.

"The new 7000-Series Metro cars will provide the State of Maryland and the Washington, DC region with better safety and reliability features, two elements critical to a successful transit network," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "By making modern investments in our transit system we not only strengthen our regional economy today, we expand opportunity for generations to come."

"I am pleased that the District of Columbia is playing a major role in helping to build a safer, more reliable Metro system by providing funding that supports the acquisition of the 7000-series trains along with other needed projects," said Mayor Vincent Gray. "I applaud Metro for making these advancements at a time when the District's population is steadily growing."

"The series-7000 railcars represent a federal commitment to provide the funding necessary to ensure safety and reliability for Metro's riders in the region and from across the country," said Congresswoman Donna Edwards. "These cars will help Metro meet an increase in ridership in Maryland and throughout the metropolitan region, and will do so in a way that is safe and responsible."

"We have been eagerly waiting for these state-of-the-art cars since the 2009 Metro accident that reemphasized the need for reconstruction of Metro," said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. "The actual appearance of these rider-responsive, safety-first cars will make our struggle for the funding worth it, and, I believe, will encourage riders to be more accepting of the inconveniences that come with bringing our nearly 40-year-old system into the 21st century."

"By starting with a blank slate, we are able to bring to Metro riders the latest in safety, comfort, convenience and technology," said Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles. "We are grateful for the funding support from the federal government and the jurisdictions that has made this day possible. These cars are also distinct in that they have been designed with extensive input from our riders, who gave our team feedback on everything from seat colors and lumbar support, to hand holds and electronic displays. "

The modern rail cars are equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology and numerous

features designed with extensive customer input. 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.

In addition, each individual railcar, as well as the overall vehicle design, manufacturing and testing, is undergoing a rigorous Safety and Security Certification process as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

By 2018, more than half of Metrorail's fleet is expected to be comprised of 7000-series cars. Metro currently has 528 new railcars on order—300 to replace all 1000-series cars, fulfilling a recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board, plus an additional 128 cars to handle ridership growth as a result of the Silver Line. The 7000-series cars will run throughout the Metrorail system, on all lines. Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles has announced that, as part of Metro's 2025 strategic plan, the Authority hopes to order another 220 cars in 2015 to provide more eight-car trains (the longest possible length) for more capacity during peak periods.