Now these should make a good day a bar.
From WMATA:
“Metro has selected Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (” Hitachi Rail “) to build the system’s 8000 series railroads in the United States. The contract, valued at an estimated $ 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 services and coaches for Metro customers, which has been made possible by the commitment to dedicated funding in the region,” said Board Chairman Paul C. Smedberg. “The capital investments we make in our transit system also support our business, our environment and our quality of life in the national capital region.”
Metro 8000 Series wagons will enhance the design and features of the new fleet of 7000 Series vehicles, the most reliable in Metro history. The basic order that includes state-of-the-art safety technology and mechanical design will replace the old Metro 2000 and 3000 series railways, which have been in service since the early 1980s and were designed to be “compatible with previous versions ”by Metro Disseny in the 1970s.
“The 8000 Series wagons will modernize the Metro fleet with Hitachi building on the success of the new 7000 Series vehicles to provide reliable, comfortable and safe transportation for our region and contribute to the local economy” , said Paul, CEO of Metro J. Wiedefeld. “The new wagons will take everything the 7000 series customers like and incorporate the latest technology and features that will serve hundreds of millions of passengers over the 40-year service life of the vehicles.”
REINVESTMENT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
The 8000 Series wagons are funded through new dedicated revenue streams established by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. In recognition of the region’s commitment to Metro’s long-term future, Metro structured the hiring process to encourage the reinvestment of local tax dollars in the regional economy. Hitachi is exploring sites in the region with plans to add an 8000 series railroad assembly plant that will result in direct and indirect local jobs and return Metro investment to the local economy.
“Today, it is our privilege to help one of the nation’s leading future-proof traffic agencies for its fleet,” said Andrew Barr, CEO of Hitachi Rail Group. “For Hitachi Rail, the business growth of our company translates in direct and indirect jobs in the United States. More capital investment in assembly and manufacturing in the region will supply the growing U.S. rail market to meet growing demand. We also believe that our subsequent supply chain offers considerable opportunities for the participation of various companies. We value diversity in the workplace and the market. ”
While there are no U.S. railroad car manufacturers, Metro included aggressive targets in its call for proposals to ensure investment in local suppliers.
THE 8000 SERIES EXPERIENCE
The 8000 series will further enhance the onboard customer experience more digital screens and real-time information, dynamic maps, electrical outlets for charging personal devices and additional joysticks all over the interior.
In addition, the new wagons are based on Metro and Hitachi’s shared commitment to sustainability. The cars are designed to be lighter, safer and more energy efficient with improved regenerative braking technology, ventilation system improvements, high definition cameras and strict cybersecurity requirements to improve safety.
Hitachi Rail was selected through a competitive hiring process. Hitachi Rail’s current operating footprint in the United States includes east and west coast highway assembly plants, as well as a manufacturing plant dedicated to signaling solutions in the Carolinas. Hitachi is currently building highways for traffic systems in Baltimore, Honolulu and Miami. ”