Metro Seeks Customer Feedback at Exhibit on Train Fleet of the Future

Per WMATA: With the design of Metro’s train fleet of the future underway, customers are invited to visit a pop-up exhibit at Gallery Place – Chinatown Metro Station to view current concepts and provide input on the look, layout, and features of trains. The fleet of the future is expected to start serving customers in 2026. The pop-up will feature physical samples, renderings, and videos allowing the public to interact with and provide feedback on the design of the new trains. 

Located at Gallery Place – Chinatown Station at the 7th and F St. entrance near the faregates, the exhibit will be open at designated times tomorrow, May 23, through May 30. Visit wmata.com/FleetoftheFuture for the full schedule. “We’re designing Metro’s fleet of the future for all of our customers, and we’re working hard to get as much public input as possible throughout the process,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Metro’s next generation of trains will serve our region for decades, so we must ensure customer needs are met, while incorporating advances in technology that will allow our system to evolve with our trains.”  Proposed concepts for Metro’s train fleet of the future include:

Safety improvements 
  • Open gangways between two cars to improve safety and customer flow, especially for customers traveling with wheelchairs, bicycles, luggage, and strollers
  • Expanded CCTV coverage and real-time train monitoring
  • Illuminated emergency call buttons for improved visibility
Customer Experience Improvements
  • Charging ports
  • Reconfigured seating, with more horizontal seating to increase capacity and create wider aisles
  • Increased size and number digital information displays in more visible locations
Accessibility improvements
  • Designated space for wheelchairs, separate from space for bicycles, luggage, strollers
  • Floor to ceiling handholds at center of cars
  • New LED lighting to indicate doors opening and closing
  • Clearer public announcement systems
Sustainability improvements 
  • Lighter aluminum exterior car body, which reduces wear and tear on track infrastructure and energy use
  • Heated flooring for energy efficiency
Metro’s fleet of the future will be built by Hitachi Rail at a new factory in Hagerstown, Maryland. The new factory is already creating local jobs and returning the region’s investment in Metro back to our community. Learn more at wmata.com/FleetoftheFuture.
Fleet of Future schedule

Recent Stories

The MCPD Drone as First Responder (DFR) program deploys a drone to a 911 emergency call for service or police generated call for service. Montgomery County Police recently shared goals,…

Praneel Suvarna, a junior at Clarksburg High School, has been elected the 47th Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education (SMOB) according to a recent announcement by MCPS…

Article by Ben Shlesinger  Learning to read can be ruff, so the Kensington Park Library has a program to help little ones out. The second and third Saturday of every…

The City of Rockville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony of two new electric vehicles chargers on Vinson St.

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.

Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.

Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!

17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)

Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895

www.dayofthebook.com

Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival

Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director

[email protected]

301-949-9416 (text preferred)

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

×

Subscribe to our mailing list