In an age where passenger experience is increasingly shaping public transportation strategies, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is reaching out to its customers for their valuable input on its upcoming train fleet design. With the aim to launch by 2026, Metro is putting together a pop-up exhibit to gather feedback on the look, layout, and features of its future train fleet.
This exciting initiative will be hosted at the Gallery Place – Chinatown Metro Station and is set to run from May 23 to May 30, providing the public with a first-hand glimpse of the future of public transportation in the region.
As per Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke, the decision to engage customers in the design process is a strategic one. “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,” he explains.
The exhibit will be equipped with physical samples, renderings, and videos of Metro's current design concepts. This approach is aimed at providing a tangible experience for customers to visualize the fleet's future and convey their insights effectively.
The proposed designs on display, predominantly focusing on safety, customer experience, accessibility, and sustainability, promise an enhanced commuting experience for all:
Safety enhancements include open gangways between cars for improved flow, expanded CCTV coverage for increased security, real-time train monitoring, and easily visible emergency call buttons.
User experience improvements range from the provision of charging ports, more horizontal seating for increased capacity, to larger and more numerous digital information displays in easily visible locations.
In terms of accessibility, proposed features include designated spaces for wheelchairs distinct from areas for bicycles, luggage, and strollers, floor to ceiling handholds at the center of cars, new LED lighting for door operations, and enhanced public announcement systems for clear communication.
For sustainability, the focus is on a lighter aluminum exterior to reduce wear on track infrastructure and energy consumption, and heated flooring for energy efficiency.
The future fleet, built by Hitachi Rail, will be manufactured at a new factory in Hagerstown, Maryland. This venture not only promises an improved commuting experience but is also expected to create local jobs and drive economic growth in the region.
This invitation for public feedback reflects Metro’s commitment to designing a train system that is inclusive, responsive, and adaptable to the needs of its diverse user base. Visit the exhibit and contribute to the future of urban commuting or learn more at wmata.com/FleetoftheFuture.