New DC Metrorail vehicles might function open-gangway design

WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Space Transit Authority is contemplating a redesign of its deliberate 8000-series vehicles for DC Metrorail service to incorporate an open-gangway design that may permit passengers to stroll from automotive to automotive, the Washington Publish stories.

Basic Supervisor Randy Clarke instructed a WMATA board assembly that the open-gangway design has “important benefits … That’s why it’s form of a world-class mannequin, particularly round security and accessibility in offering a bit of bit extra space inside the automobile.”

The design — as illustrated with examples proven on the WMATA Twitter feed — permits simpler motion for these with accessibility points; lets passengers to maneuver extra simply in case of harmful conditions resembling fires; and makes it simpler for passengers to maneuver with baggage or bikes, for instance.

Building of the 8000-series vehicles is scheduled to start subsequent yr at a brand new Hitachi Rail manufacturing unit close to Hagerstown, Md. The Metrorail proposal comes shortly after New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed off the primary of its open-gangway vehicles, a part of a small pilot program in its present order for brand spanking new subway gear [see “MTA provides first look at open-gangway subway cars,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 6, 2023].