WASHINGTON -- Metro wants to buy 648 new rail cars and overhaul 100 older ones.
A proposal estimates that the changes will cost the transit agency $2 billion if Metro gets board approval to begin the bidding process by next month. The proposal will be presented to board members on Thursday.
Metro's extension to Dulles International Airport will require 128 new rail cars, prompting the move.
In addition to the 128 new high-tech cars, the order would also include 300 cars to replace the agency's oldest ones, and an additional 220 cars to allow running all eight-car trains during rush hours.
The 748-rail car program is one of the major items on General Manager John Catoe's $11 billion list of capital projects needed over 10 years to maintain, expand and improve service.
The Washington Post reports that some board members have expressed concern about the fact that the new high-tech cars would not be compatible with the existing fleet. Click here to read the Post's full report.
