Metro has selected Hitachi Rail to build the system's 8000-series railcars in the U.S.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

𝚄𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚔 𝙳𝙲 𝙼𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚘 Retweeted

So soon? The 7000s must be worse than we know.

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Metro has selected Hitachi Rail (
@HitachiRailENG
) to build the system’s 8000-series railcars in the U.S. The contract, valued up to an estimated $2.2 billion, includes a base order of 256 railcars, with options to build up to 800 in the fleet.

https://wmata.com/about/news/Metro-announces-contract-award-to-Hitachi-Rail-for-8000-series-railcars.cfm #wmata

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Pinned Tweet

We are proud to announce that Hitachi Rail has been awarded the
@wmata
8000-series vehicles contract worth up to $2.2bn; U.S. growth and hiring accelerates...Flag of United States Train

Read the full press release to learn more: https://bit.ly/3bX8rIN

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For immediate release: March 17, 2021

Metro announces contract award to Hitachi Rail for 8000-series railcars

Up to $2.2 Billion agreement expected to create local jobs

Metro has selected Hitachi Rail Washington LLC (“Hitachi Rail”) to build the system’s 8000-series railcars in the U.S. The contract, valued up to an estimated $2.2 billion, includes a base order of 256 railcars, with options to build up to 800 in the fleet. The project is expected to create direct and indirect jobs in the region.

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REINVESTMENT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

The 8000-series railcars are funded using new dedicated revenue streams established by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. In recognition of the region's commitment to Metro's long-term future, Metro structured the procurement process to encourage reinvestment of local tax dollars in the regional economy. Hitachi is exploring sites in the region with plans to add an assembly plant for the 8000-series railcars that will result in direct and indirect local jobs, and return Metro’s investment to the local economy.

"Today, it is our privilege to help one of the nation’s premier transit agencies future-proof its fleet,” said Andrew Barr, Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Rail Group. "For Hitachi Rail, our company’s business growth translates to direct and indirect U.S. jobs. Further capital investments in assembly and manufacturing in the region will supply the growing U.S. rail market to meet increasing demand. We also believe that our downstream supply chain offers considerable opportunities for the participation of diverse business enterprises. We value diversity in the workplace and the marketplace.”

While there are no U.S. manufacturers of passenger rail cars, Metro included aggressive goals in its request for proposal to ensure investment in local vendors.

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