The Miami Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) placed its first new train into service, ushering in a new era of modern, high tech trains manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy that will improve both service reliability and overall riding experience.
Each new rail car features automated announcements with upgraded sound, digital signs displaying the name of the next statio, four digital monitors for extensive media content; high capacity, high-speed Wi-Fi, interior bicycle racks; security cameras and energy efficient LED lighting.
Funded by approximately USD 313.8 million in surtax funds from People’s Transportation Plan, this is the first four-car train of 136 cars that will make up the new Metrorail fleet, which will greatly improve the quality of service of the Metrorail system. The replacement of the Metrorail fleet is being expedited and Hitachi Rail has increased the number of crews performing testing.
By July 2018, DTPW anticipates to have half of the cars needed to operate at peak levels replaced. By the end of 2019, DTPW will have all the new rail cars needed for peak-revenue service.
“For the first time in more than 30 years of Metrorail service, we placed on our tracks the first new high-performance, modern vehicles for our 25-mile Metrorail system. This, along with other enhancements, is one of the many ways that Miami-Dade government is improving transportation in our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
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