MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION CELEBRATES FIRST NEW METRO SUBWAY RAILCARS ENTERING SERVICE
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) launched the first six new Hitachi railcars into service yesterday on Baltimore’s Metro System. Acting Secretary Kathryn Thomson, MTA Administrator Holly Arnold, and other state and local officials celebrated the major milestone for the transit agency with a ribbon cutting event held at the Johns Hopkins Metro Subway Station. The new railcars feature state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance safety and improve reliability while providing a more comfortable experience for riders. Along with the new railcars, the agency also debuted a new train control system.
“These new railcars represent an important investment and commitment to our riders and our region’s economic vitality,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Thomson. “This is far more than a fleet replacement – it is a generational investment in creating a modern, reliable and safe transportation network that residents and employers can rely upon.”
The new railcars were assembled in Hagerstown, Maryland at the Hitachi manufacturing facility and feature larger windows, brighter lighting, better bike space and improved digital signage. Wider doors and reconfigured interiors will allow for faster customer boarding and will improve on-time performance. Energy-efficient lighting, informational display panels with updated route information and an updated audio announcement system will further enhance rider experience.
“Our riders and our region deserve a reliable, modern transit system,” said Administrator Arnold. “By investing in new, state-of-the-art railcars, we are connecting communities and delivering on our promise to provide fast, reliable, and safe transit service.”
As the Baltimore region continues to grow, maintaining safe and reliable transit remains essential to getting riders where they need to go on-time. Additional railcars will be phased in throughout 2026 with the total fleet of 78 new railcars expected to be complete by 2027. This phasing will allow riders to experience the benefits of the new cars as soon as possible. Each railcar undergoes extensive systems testing before being placed into service. The agency also invested in a new, modern communications-based train control and signal system. This technology allows trains to communicate in real time, improving reliability and operating more efficiently.
“Baltimore’s Metro Subway helps keep residents and the local economy on the move. That’s why Federal Team Maryland has consistently fought to invest in modernizing our infrastructure, working to deliver more than $400 million in federal funding to support this fleet of new Maryland-made rail cars. These new rail cars will provide safer, more reliable, and more comfortable service for thousands of daily commuters in Baltimore,” said Senator Van Hollen.
These new Metro subway cars are the first step in a longer-term, multi-year effort to place the transit system back on track. Thanks to the Moore-Miller administration, more than $1 billion has been committed to modernize the light rail system, including new light rail vehicles, train control system and stations, and increase front line bus operators to provide better service.
The first six of 78 new railcars are to enter service on Friday, January 9, 2026 on the roughly 14-mile line between Owings Mills in Baltimore County and the Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore, ushering in a new chapter for the more than 40-year-old rail line.
Transit Choices was honored to participate in yesterday’s event. It was exciting watching the new Metro subway cars make their debut! We congratulate MTA Administrator Holly Arnold on this major milestone for the transit agency. The new fleet will be instrumental in providing fast, reliable, and safe transit service.
Thank you.