D.C. Metro’s new, state of the art train cars along with several major commuter hubs in Washington, D.C., do not have functioning air conditioning, leaving riders in sweltering temperatures during commutes.
Officials with the transit service said the new 7000 series train cars, which come equipped with interactive screens mapping the tunnels, have malfunctioning air conditioning systems. Officials are working on a fix for the issue, which is being caused by failures with their on-board computer systems. The new cars are suppose to bring more comfort to riders but are instead leaving commuters in crowded hotboxes reaching up to 90 degrees, according to WJLA.
Metro officials are working with technicians from Kawasaki to identify the problems and establish a universal fix for all the trains.
“I was dry when I got on that car,” rider Willie Hill told WJLA. “Now, I’m sweating, pouring. For a person not in good health, they’re in trouble.”
Officials noted the majority of air systems on the new 7000 series trains work properly. The computer system along with voltage fluctuation are causing the air conditioning systems on some trains to switch off.
“In the interest of protecting the railcar, the on-board computers will turn off the HVAC systems and then require a reset before air handling resumes,” Metro officials said in a statement. “These cars are all under manufacturer warranty and Kawasaki technicians are here at Metro to address any issues quickly.”
Air conditioning problems are not only affecting trains. Broken circulation systems are leaving riders in high temperatures at major commuter hubs in the District. DuPont Circle and Farragut North both are without air conditioning for the foreseeable future due to outdated and broken piping, reports WUSA9.
Metro officials said they are actively trying to fix the issue, however its already taken more than two months. Temperatures in the DuPont station reached 91 degrees Tuesday.
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