WASHINGTON — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is on track to unveil new 8000 series train cars in 2026. Before that, officials want customer feedback on what those new trains will look like.
Customers are invited to visit a pop-up "Fleet of the Future" exhibit at Gallery Place – Chinatown Metro Station to view current concepts and provide input on the look, layout, and features of trains. 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. The exhibit is open from May 23 to May 30.
“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 new trains 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
Here's the full schedule for the exhibit.
The new trains will be rolling into Metro's railyards in late 2025.