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It will be at least five years before the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) begins introducing new 7000 Series cars on its subway system, but authority officials already are planning the passenger cars’ design.

WMATA officials envision shiny, stainless-steel cars that feature 64 cloth-padded, taller seats with seat-back grab handles, and overhead and spring-loaded handles. The stronger, yet thinner stainless steel seats would replace fiberglass seats currently featured in WMATA’s cars and provide passengers more leg room. In addition, more resilient flooring will replace the carpet that adorns today’s cars.

On the technology side, the cars would feature interactive, linear maps on LCD monitors, which also could broadcast advertisements and passenger information. WMATA officials also are considering automated station announcements and security cameras on all cars. In addition, WMATA is analyzing touch-screen controls for operators, and improved diagnostics to better evaluate and troubleshoot mechanical problems.

The authority already is testing the new seat configuration, floors and spring-grab handles on a redesigned car recently put into service. Last year, WMATA began testing two other remodeled cars that feature bench seating, more overhead grab bars and an open floor area near the doors to accommodate more riders and improve passenger flow.