For the first time since the Metrorail system opened its doors to passengers back in 1984, the Department of Transportation and Public Works placed its first new train into service — ushering in a new era of modern, high-tech trains manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy that will improve both service reliability and overall riding experience.
"Today is a great day in Miami-Dade County’s history of providing public transportation. For the first time in more than 30 years of Metrorail service, we placed on our tracks the first new high-performance, modern vehicles for our 25-mile Metrorail system. This, along with other enhancements, is one of the many ways that Miami-Dade government is improving transportation in our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.
“We proudly celebrate with our customer, Miami-Dade County, the inauguration of the County’s new Metrorail trains. Today, we are delivering state-of-the-art train technology and reliability to Miami-Dade County, which will help them to also deliver on their promise to the community,” said Maurizio Manfellotto, CEO of Hitachi Rail Italy. “This project marks our return to the American market, where Hitachi is now significantly present.”
Funded by approximately $313.8 Million in surtax funds from People’s Transportation Plan, this is the first four-car train of 136 cars that will make up the new Metrorail fleet, which will greatly improve the quality of service of the Metrorail system.
The replacement of the Metrorail fleet is being expedited and Hitachi Rail has increased the number of crews performing testing.
Each new rail car features:
- Automated announcements with upgraded sound
- Digital signs displaying the name of the next station
- Four digital monitors for extensive media content
- High capacity, high-speed Wi-Fi (252 passengers can surf the web while on board)
- Interior bicycle racks
- Security cameras
- Energy efficient LED lighting
“Hitachi Rail designed our new Metrorail trains exclusively for Miami-Dade County. This means that there are no other rail trains like ours in the world,” said DTPW Director Alice N. Bravo, P.E. “Thanks to Hitachi Rail, the Citizens’ Independent Transportation Trust, and DTPW staff, we were able to place the first Metrorail train into service just 20 months after assembly began. Moving forward, as new Metrorail trains are phased in, riders will begin to see improvements in service and enjoy a more comfortable ride.”
By July 2018, DTPW anticipates to have half of the cars needed to operate at peak levels replaced. By the end of 2019, DTPW will have all the new rail cars needed for peak-revenue service.
To plan a trip on transit, Metrorail riders can download the free Miami-Dade Transit Tracker app.
