“This is not your grandmother’s Metro.” The next generation in transit is now available to view at the Fleet of the Future Expo on the National Mall through April 3, showcasing Metro’s new 8000-series railcar design and zero-emission bus, as well as a Pop-Up Shop with special Metro merch.
The Expo is located near the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History at 12th Street and Madison Drive NW. You’ll find the Pop-Up Shop near the Expo on Seventh Street.
Visitors will be able to take a tour inside a life-size model of the 8000-series railcar, where you’ll be able to see and feel what it will look like inside and out for the first time. Plus, you can step on board one of Metro’s first zero-emission buses.
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“Once you’re done with the tour, stop by Metro’s Pop-Up Shop on Seventh Street NW between Jefferson and Madison drives. Look for the cherry blossom wrapped Metrobus and step inside to do your shopping. We’ll have limited edition cherry blossom and Fleet of the Future merchandise, including hoodies, t-shirts, coffee mugs, umbrellas, pins, and other souvenirs. Don’t miss out. These collectibles are only available while supplies last.”
Per WMATA: The 8000-series prototype railcar is a scaled down replica that mirrors the look and feel of the real thing with room for 15-20 people to tour at a time. The design is a departure from the current configuration, with connected open gangway railcars, bench-style seating, wider aisles, and features depictions of the all-digital interior, electronic customer information, dynamic maps, and displays.
You can also step on board one of Metro’s newest battery-electric buses, one of two 60-foot battery-electric buses in service as part of Metro’s initiative to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2042. These buses are cleaner and quieter and include modern amenities such as digital passenger information screens, USB charging ports, and new fare boxes.
Guests will also be able to view a collection of photos on the history of Metrorail and Metrobus or take pictures in a train-themed photo booth with our Baby Bus mascot-themed photo cutout.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
| DATE: | March 20 – April 3, 2024 |
| TIME: | Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| LOCATION: | Fleet of the Future Expo (8000-series railcar & electric bus) – National Mall at 12th Street and Madison Drive NW near the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and National Museum of Natural History
Fleet of the Future & Cherry Blossom Pop-Up Shop – Seventh Street NW between Madison and Jefferson drives (inside cherry blossom wrapped Metrobus) |
| GETTING THERE: | Smithsonian Station. Take the 12th Street and Jefferson Drive exit and take a left at the top of the escalator.
L’Enfant Plaza Metro Center Bus routes: Metrobus 3F, 33, 52, 59, 63, 64, 70, 79, S2 DC Circulator National Mall route |
Learn more about the Expo on our Fleet of the Future page at wmata.com/fleetofthefuture
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