Now it has to make a hell of a bar one day.
From WMATA:
Metro has selected Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (“Hitachi Rail”) to build the system’s 8000 series of railroads in the U.S. The contract, valued at approximately $ 2.2 billion, includes a base order of 256 railroads, with options to build up to 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 train carriages and service for Metro customers, made possible by the region’s dedicated financial commitment,” said Paul C. Smedberg, chairman of the board. “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 Railroads will enhance the design and functions of the new Navy 7000 Series cars, the most reliable in the history of Metro. The base order, which includes the latest safety technology and mechanical design, will replace the aging of the 2000 and 3000 series cars, which have been in use since the early 1980s, and designed to ‘reconcile’ with Metros. 1970s era design.
“The 8000 Series Railways will modernize 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,” Paul said. ‘s general manager / CEO of Metro said J. Wiedefeld. “The new train carriages will feature everything that customers of the 7000 Series hold and feature the latest technology and features that will be of service to hundreds of millions of passengers over the 40-year lifespan.”
INVESTMENT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The 8000 series of railroads are funded using new dedicated revenue streams established by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. In recognition of the region’s regional commitment to Metro’s long – term future, Metro has structured the procurement process to encourage reinvestment of local tax money into the regional economy. Hitachi is exploring sites in the region with plans to add an assembly plant for the 8000-series train carriages that will result in direct and indirect local jobs, giving Metro investment to the local economy.
“Today it is our privilege to help one of the country’s leading transportation agencies build its fleet future,” said Andrew Barr, CEO of Hitachi Rail Group. “For Hitachi Rail, the growth of our business means direct and indirect American jobs. Further capital investment in assembly and manufacturing in the region will provide the growing U.S. railroad market to meet the growing demand. We also believe that our downstream supply chain offers significant opportunities for the participation of diverse businesses. We value diversity in the workplace and in the market. ”
Although there are no U.S. manufacturers of passenger rail vehicles, Metro has included aggressive targets in its request for proposals to secure investment in local sellers.
THE 8000 SERIES EXPERIENCE
The 8000 Series will further enhance the customer experience on board more digital screens and real-time information, dynamic maps, electrical outlets for charging personal devices and additional handles throughout the interior.
In addition, the new train carriages build on Metro and Hitachi’s joint commitment to sustainability. The cars are designed to be lighter, safer and more energy efficient, with improved regenerative braking technology, improved ventilation system, high-definition cameras and strict cyber safety requirements to improve safety.
Hitachi Rail was selected through a competitive sourcing process. Hitachi Rail’s current operating footprint in the US includes the assembly plants for East and West Coast railroads as well as a manufacturing solution for signal solutions in the Carolinas. Hitachi is currently building railroads for transit systems in Baltimore, Honolulu and Miami. ”