The subway system in Washington DC, locally known as Metro, short for Metrorail, is relatively new - it entered service in 1976. Metro is currently showing a mock-up of the latest generation of rail cars, this will be the 8th generation, the 1st and 5th generations have been removed from service. The 1st generations had a fatal design flaw that cause one car to "telescope" into the next one in a collision. The 5th generation was plagued with electrical wiring issues and the cost of remedying that was nearly the same as the cost of new cars, so they were scrapped out.
The 8th generation will be the first with an open passageway from one car to the next, in two car pairings. They will have more center facing seating creating wider aisleways, allowing better mobility access, and more comfortable standing room. The new cars will space for luggage and bicycles, the first cars to do so (both airports are served by the subway and bikes are being promoted as a part of the transit system.)
The mock-up is plastic, about one and half cars long and is temporarily on display. The new cars are being built in Maryland.
It is good that they are being built locally and not wholly imported. But I hope the design is based on that of good European trains. That's disgraceful about the 5th generation.
ReplyDeleteI simply wouldn't trust that bloke in the last photo at the controls of train. My life is precious.
They opened a factory to assemble the new cars in Maryland.
DeleteI had forgotten how new Metro was when we moved there in ’83. I loved the DC system. But, that last driver makes me want to wait for the next train.
ReplyDeleteOpened for the BiCentennial, along with the holes in the floor at Union Station (that were later closed)
DeleteThe last photo rocks, but why do you look so guilty, like you're stealing it or something, lol?
ReplyDeleteTrying to get away before I get caught
DeleteI rode the Metro during several trips to see family in Virginia, and these new cars look quite nice.
ReplyDeleteI sense you could get a part-time job, if you sao desire, as a driver?
Unless the rules have changed, you have to drive a bus for a year, to become a train operator. I wouldn't last a day driving a bus.
DeleteNew York City has introduced new subway cars like this, the open gangway allowing commuters to move freely, as well as access for people with wheelchairs and bikes, and with the hope to prevent overcrowding. For a few years I went on the 8th grade field trip and we took the students on the Metro. Keeping a headcount and making sure everyone got off at the stop got a little nerve wracking at times!
ReplyDeleteI can only imaging trying to keep track of 30 students.
DeleteThe two mock-up train drivers shown in this post look a bit suspicious to me. Are they made from papier-mâché?
ReplyDeleteShould be
DeleteIt looks nice and I see a couple of well qualified engineers in the driver's seat.
ReplyDeleteHow fast will this thing go?
DeleteAre you thinking of a possible, part-time retirement job? Driving the train? :)
ReplyDeleteOnly in my dreams
DeleteI love the DC metro! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteIt is the best way to get around town.
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