[IMAGE]DCMETRO-trains-Large-numberFULL.jpg[/IMAGE] To enhance rail passenger safety by making it easier for customers, first responders and operations personnel to identify a rail car, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) is installing new train identification numbers atop all of its 1,130 rail cars.
The retrofit, which began last fall, removes the 2¼-inch, non-reflective exterior car numbers below the operator’s window and installs new, reflective five-inch numbers atop the end of each rail car. The program also features the installation of new, interior rail car door leaf numbers, making it easier to identify a rail car door number if there is an issue with a door.
The new reflective and taller numbers atop the fleet of rail cars make it easier for customers, first responders and Metro staff to identify a rail car immediately in an emergency or other incident on Metrorail.
Metro officials expect to have the entire fleet retrofitted with the new identification numbers by this summer.
The retrofit program costs $162,000, which includes material, labor, installation, and the design for the exterior rail car and interior door leaf numbers.
D.C. Metro to install new train ID numbers
New reflective and taller numbers atop the fleet of rail cars make it easier for customers, first responders and Metro staff to identify a rail car immediately in an emergency or other incident on Metrorail.
More Rail
Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs
HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.
Read More →
Operation Lifesaver Awards Nearly $198,000 in Rail Safety Grants
Operation Lifesaver and the FHWA awarded nearly $198,000 in grants to 10 state programs for rail safety education campaigns focused on crossing safety, trespass prevention, and public awareness initiatives.
Read More →
The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery
Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.
Read More →
Federal Railroad Administration Finalizes Rail Rules Aimed at Efficiency and Safety
See what deregulatory rail rules were finalized to reduce outdated requirements, support innovation, and streamline rail operations without compromising safety.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan
The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
Read More →
STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.
Read More →
LA Metro Opens D Line Extension
The only new subway opening in the US this year, the D Line Extension represents one of Metro’s top transit priorities and a historic milestone for Los Angeles, with Sections 2 and 3 set to open in 2027.
Read More →
Maryland Governor Installs Final Purple Line Rail During Tour
The moment marks the completion of 193,100 feet of track linking Prince George’s and Montgomery counties.
Read More →
PATCO Opens New Operations Control Center
The new center serves as the central hub for monitoring and managing PATCO train operations, communications, customer service coordination, incident response, and overall operational oversight across the transit system.
Read More →
VIA Rail reports Stable Ridership, Rising Revenue Amid Ongoing Challenges
Despite these pressures, VIA Rail is reporting that total revenues increased to $514.8 million as more travelers took advantage of the wide range of options available through the corporation’s new reservation system.
Read More →