Italian heart, American infrastructure: Hitachi Rail’s metro cars arrive in DC

Hitachi Rail cars inbound. Washington DC’s metro system is getting a major upgrade, courtesy of Hitachi Rail, a global leader with a unique heritage – Italian design and engineering fused with Japanese manufacturing. This win for Hitachi Rail signifies a broader trend of infrastructure investment in the US and the continued innovation Italy brings to the table.

The backstory. Born from the 2007 merger of Italy’s AnsaldoBreda and Japan’s Hitachi, Hitachi Rail has secured a contract to deliver 256 new metro cars to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). These trains will be manufactured in a Pennsylvania facility, showcasing the company’s commitment to US jobs.

Zooming out. This deal comes amidst a much-needed infrastructure push in the United States. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated billions for improvements to public transportation systems across the country. WMATA’s investment reflects this national focus on modernizing aging infrastructure.

The Italian angle. While Hitachi Rail is a global company, its Italian roots play a significant role in its design and engineering expertise. This is evident in the award-winning metro cars developed for cities like Naples and Milan, known for their sleek aesthetics and functionality. We can expect the DC cars to reflect this same Italian touch.

What to watch. The arrival of these new Hitachi Rail metro cars will be a significant upgrade for DC commuters. With a focus on improved passenger experience, these trains could signal a turning point for the city’s public transportation system. Keep an eye out for future developments as this project unfolds.