WMATA to upgrade lighting at all underground stations

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently announced plans to install brighter mezzanine lights at all underground stations by 2015.

The announcement follows the successful completion of lighting upgrades at the Judiciary Square, Gallery Place, Bethesda, Metro Center and Smithsonian stations, WMATA officials said in a press release.

The new lighting structures are brighter and more energy efficient than the older "coffee can" lighting systems they are replacing. In addition to the five completed stations, one station – L'Enfant Plaza – is under construction, and the remaining 41 underground stations will be completed by 2015.

"The new lighting will provide for better visibility and in turn, improve safety, security and the overall customer experience for riders as that make their way through the Metrorail system," said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Richard Sarles.