New High-Tech Trains for Miami Metrorail Enter Service

For the first time since the Miami Metrorail system opened its doors to passengers back in 1984, the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) 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.

New High-Tech Trains for Miami-Dade

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

DTPW Director Alice N. Bravo, P.E., said:

“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”

“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.”

Replacement of the Metrorail Fleet

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.

Also available is the EASY Pay app, which allows anyone to turn their smartphone into a mobile ticket. Visit EASY Pay page for more information. Transit riders now can also pay for parking via their mobile devices with the PayByPhone cashless app.

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