D.C.: Replacement Of Metro's Delay-Prone Old Rail Cars Delayed

Replacement Of Metro's Delay-Prone Old Rail Cars Delayed

Monday, September 15, 2014 - 11:04 AM
By Martin DiCaro : WAMU




Metro riders have been waiting a long time for new rail cars to replace the ones that have been in use since the transit system’s inception — and they'll have to wait at least a couple months longer.

Metro’s trumpeted 7000-series rail cars — modern and sleek, no carpets but comfy seats — were supposed to start carrying passengers by the end of the year. But the transit authority’s general manager says they won’t be ready until early 2015. The reason? Metro does not have a completed test track, so it needs more time to finish testing the first 64 new rail cars.

Riders are not surprised. "Seems kind of par for the course with a lot of Metro things," said one.

And many riders aren’t all that happy with Metro, either. Bus and rail riders’ customer satisfaction is below Metro’s goal of 84 percent. ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.wnyc.org/story/replacement-metros-delay-prone-old-rail-cars-delayed/