Press Releases

U.S. Representative Don Beyer joined Governor Terry McAuliffe, Reps. Gerry Connolly and Barbara Comstock, and local and state leaders to tour the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority (WMATA) new 7000 series train cars made by Kawasaki:  

“These new cars are smarter, sleeker, safer, and far more energy efficient,” said Rep. Beyer.  “They are better for the thousands of passengers who rely on the Metro system every day, and they are better for the environment, Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth, and the country. In business, we call that a win-win situation." 

The 7000 series Metro cars will begin operating on the Blue Line to offset increased demand created by the Silver Line opening last summer.  The new cars provide a number of safety and convenience factors for riders and operators.  WMATA plans to use the new cars to eventually phase out the older 1000 series Metro cars.

Beyer added, “A commitment to improving public transit is a commitment to Northern Virginia’s families, and to creating the smart, sustainable growth, and economic stability that will drive the new American economy in our region."

The cars were purchased as part of a $1.5 billion commitment from Congress through the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008.