Voting open for exterior design of Metro’s 8000-series rail fleet
Metro is inviting riders and transit enthusiasts to help choose the exterior look for its upcoming 8000-series rail fleet. Three design options are available for the public to vote on, with the deadline set for 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 22. The winning concept will be announced the following week.
The exterior designs are part of a broader branding refresh that includes refined Metro logos and illustrations inspired by the agency’s heritage. The final look will feature a revamped color palette with warm tones, blending modern design principles with homage to the standards established by Metro’s founding designers. Metro says the updated branding aims to reflect the DMV region’s pride and the distinctive character of the system, from its station architecture to its fleet vehicles.
Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke emphasized the connection between the transit network and the community, noting that locals are best positioned to choose the design that will carry the region’s trains into the future.
In addition to the design vote, Metro announced cost-saving and efficiency measures tied to the 8000-series program. These efforts have identified about $21 million that can be reallocated back into the Capital Program, helping to reduce future operating and maintenance costs for the fleet.
What this means for riders and the region
– Rider involvement: The design vote gives the public a direct say in the branding of a major regional asset, reinforcing community pride in the transit system.
– Brand refresh: The refreshed branding aims to unify logos, imagery, and color across Metro’s communications and rolling stock, while paying tribute to the designers who helped shape its identity.
– Financial efficiency: The $21 million in savings demonstrates Metro’s ongoing focus on cost containment and reinvestment into capital projects and fleet improvements.
Summary
Riders can vote on the exterior design of the new 8000-series trains, with three options available and voting open until August 22. The winning design will be announced the next week, as part of a broader branding refresh that honors Metro’s heritage and modernizes its look, alongside notable cost savings of $21 million redirected to strengthen the Capital Program and reduce future fleet costs. This initiative combines public input, branding evolution, and financial efficiency to support Metro’s long-term goals.
Optional value add
If you’re covering this story, consider including a brief explainer of how the 8000-series branding aligns with upcoming station and fleet upgrades, and perhaps a quick reminder of how the public can participate in the vote (where to find the ballot on Metro’s site) to boost engagement and transparency.