The most unfortunate thing I could’ve possibly read today was WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) is taking their 2000 series units out of service tomorrow… For over 40 years these guys have transported 775 million passengers while traveling a total of 194 million miles. “These 76 train cars helped move millions of people across the Capital region for decades and we thank them for their faithful service over the years,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “We recognize the rich history of these cars and they have certainly earned this well-deserved retirement. However, this will give riders a better experience and make way for the Fleet of the Future*.” Source: wmata.com Built by Breda from 1981 to 1983 in Pistoia, Italy and refurbished by Alstom from 2002 to 2004 in Hornel, NY, the 2000-series railcars were designed to be slightly more technologically advanced than their predecessor the Rohr 1000-series. They were the first cars in the system to have flip-dot LED exterior signage as opposed to the old roll signs used before. This is the interior of a newly refurbished Breda 2000-series train in 2004 (Source: Wikipedia) Cars #2000-2001 will be saved from scrap and will thankfully be held for preservation. Here is a video I took of them leaving Braddock Road station on the Yellow Line back in 2018: *This is who is replacing them in case you’re curious: The 8000-series “Fleet of the Future” currently being built by Hitachi and expected to enter service in 2027, replacing all 366 2000- and 3000-series trains. While being modern, stylish, and… geometric, the 8000s also possess a bunch of cool new features such as open gangways, more digital screens, dynamic maps, and electrical outlets. I also heard they have heated floors and WiFi!
I've ridden them a few times across various DC trips. They had personality but were for sure getting pretty long in the tooth.
