Miami-Dade Transit rolls out first new Metrorail train in decades

Miami-Dade Transit yesterday placed its first new Hitachi Rail Italy train into passenger service.

The four-car consist is the agency's first new train to enter service since the Metrorail system opened in 1984, Miami-Dade County officials said in a press release.

The train is part of a 136-car order, which was funded through a half-cent transportation surtax that local voters approved in 2002. The total order cost $313.8 million.

The new cars are expected to improve service reliability and overall riding experience, Miami-Dade County officials said.

By 2019's end, the county expects to place all the new units into service.

The new cars feature Wi-Fi connectivity, high-efficiency air conditioning and digital signs displaying the name of the next station. The units also will include bicycle racks, security cameras and LED lighting.

In March, Hitachi delivered the first two new cars to Miami-Dade Transit.