Hitachi deploys new Metrorail trains
Written by David Briginshaw, Consulting Editor, International Railway Journal
The first of 24 four-car trains being supplied by Hitachi Rail Italy to Metro-Dade County entered service on the two-line Metrorail network in Miami on November 30.
The $313.8-million order for 136 cars is being funded through the transport surtax funds from Metro-Dade County’s voter-approved People’s Transportation Plan.
The new trains, which will replace the original fleet dating from 1984, feature:
• Automated passenger announcements;
• Digital signs displaying the name of the next station;
• Four digital information monitors in each car;
• Wi-Fi for up to 252 passengers;
• Bicycle racks;
• Closed-circuit TV, and
• LED lighting.
Half the trains needed to operate peak-hour services are expected to be in service by July 2018, with all peak services operated by the new fleet by February 2019, and the full fleet in operation by November 2019. The vehicles are being assembled at Hitachi’s plant in Medley, Fla.
“Today is certainly a great day for Miami-Dade County’s history,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “For the first time in more than 30 years of Metrorail service, we placed on the tracks our first new train.”
