Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 8000-series

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority 8000-series is a type rail car that is to be built for Metrorail.

History

On September 4, 2018, Metro issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and construction of at least 256 new rail cars collectively known as the 8000-series. These cars will allow for the retirement of the 2000- and 3000-series cars which are nearing the end of their 40-year service life. Options for up to 800 cars would allow for all trains to be expanded to 8-car sets, more frequent rush hour service, or retirement of the 6000-series in lieu of a midlife overhaul.

In 2019, CRRC Corporation announced their intention to bid on the 8000-series contract. Concerns over national security prompted provisions in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act that would bar federal funding from being used to purchase transit vehicles from state-owned or state-controlled enterprises like CRRC from China. In 2020, Metro announced that CRRC was no longer being considered to manufacture the new 8000-series cars.

On March 17, 2021, Metro announced that the 8000-series contract was awarded to Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (Hitachi Rail). Valued up to an estimated $2.2 billion, the contract includes a base order of 256 cars, with options for up to 800. The procurement was structured to encourage reinvestment of the regional economy, and Hitachi Rail is to establish a local assembly plant. Initial pre-series trains are slated to be delivered in 2024.

From March 20 to April 3, 2024, WMATA showcased a mockup of the 8000-Series on the National Mall. The mockup showed the interior of a A-car, the open gangway, and interior of a B-car end. WMATA indicated there will be some differences in the production cars, including different lighting and molded seats instead of fabric.

Design

Early renderings showed an exterior resembling the 7000-series cars, but with different headlights. With the announcement of the new manufacturing facility, new exterior renders showed a front end with more dynamic lines and shapes. Lighting was provided by strips of LEDs. Some renderings also show a black band around the passenger windows.

Early interior renderings showed a similar design and colour scheme to the 7000-series. The 8000-series, however will have digital maps and signage as well as charging ports, Wifi, and heated floors. WMATA also indicated later in the design phase that they were looking at cars with open gangways. New renderings released in April 2023 showed a more blue interior colour scheme with charcoal and light grey walls. The ends of the cars have various cityscape graphics. The cars also have dedicated spaces for bicycles and strollers.