Metro to Unveil New Rail Cars Next Month

WASHINGTON -- Next stop for Metro, a makeover. The transit agency tells WTOP that by Christmas -- and possibly earlier -- two new-look rail cars will be out on the tracks. Both are expected to increase capacity on trains.

The first design has no carpet. Instead a vinyl, non-slip, flooring is in place. Above riders' heads also will be metal handles they can grab. This model was actually supposed to already be out on the tracks, but a shipment of the handles just came in from China.

The second design features bench seating and cloth seats. There is something new at the back of the train.

"There will be U-shaped padding that you can lean against," says Metro spokesperson Candace Smith.

The transit agency is running a test of these new models.

"We will be looking for feedback from riders -- what they like and didn't like," says Smith.

No word on which lines will see the new rail cars, but new cars generally enter the system on the Green Line.

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