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During the next three years, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) plans to begin operating eight-car trains.

By upgrading the power system and taking delivery of 184 additional passenger cars, the authority expects to operate half of its fleet as eight-car trains by late 2008. The longer trains will reduce crowding 10 percent and provide capacity for ridership growth, according to a prepared statement.

In addition, the longer consists will enable WMATA to operate fewer trains, and reduce the potential for trains to back up during rush hour.

WMATA’s rail system is designed to ideally operate up to 26 trains per hour per line, but the authority is at or exceeding capacity on most lines.