USA: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority issued a request for proposals on December 4 for the supply of 64 metro cars, with an option for an additional 620. The contract would also include work to refurbish Wmata’s Series 4000 fleet, which is around 25 years old.
The 64 new vehicles would be used to operate the first phase of the metro extension to Dulles International Airport. The Federal Transit Administration has approved the 18·7 km route, and Federal Transportation Secretary Mary Peters was expected to add her agreement in early January. A federal funding agreement worth $900m is then expected to follow a 60-day review by Congress. Phase 1 will leave the Orange Line at Falls Church and run via Tysons Corner to Wiehle Avenue in Reston.
