Metrorail unveils new cars
Metro had an exhibit of its new, more accessible rail cars today, so I went down to take a peek. I must admit that I liked them a lot! These redesigned cars (series 3000 and 6000) have an access area at every door, instead of only in the middle of the car, and gone are the floor-to-ceiling poles that a wheelchair-using passenger had to navigate in order to reach the access areas. Removal of the poles also means unimpeded access throughout the train, so that if one access area is taken, I can now go down the length of the train until I come to an empty access area. Sweet! I now feel like a real Metro passenger, instead of a mere inconvenience. I was interviewed by a number of media outlets, and came home to see my mug on Channel 5, DC’s local Fox station. I must admit, they did a good job.
I stayed for almost the entire event, talking with Metro officials and board members, and asking about issues such a gaps between the rail cars and the station platform, as well as some minor difficulties that I was having with boarding the 3000 series cars. Fortunately, the 6000 series cars are easier to board, as the threshold is more level. I also asked about clampdowns. Though I don’t need them, some members of the disability community who use wheelchairs feel safer with them. I was told by interim General Manager, Dan Tangherlini, that they may consider adding them to the next round of rail cars that come online.
Some of the 3000 series trains will go into service tomorrow, while the 6000 series will be added throughout the rest of the year. The 3000 series cars will be equipped with cameras for a time so that Metro can study usage patterns on these cars.