Metro today released details on its plan to pilot a “Metro Station Of The Future” project at the Bethesda Metro station.
Business and political representatives from the community have been lobbying for more lighting and a better looking Metro station for years.
In March, WMATA officials let the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce’s Metro Improvement Task Force know the Bethesda station had been selected for the pilot.
The project would provide a number of improvements, including high-output light fixtures, a stainless steel and light gray interior to replace “Metro brown,” a thinner kiosk with digital panels for service information and new fare gates with next-generation technology for faster entry and exit.
The Bethesda Metro station is set to undergo an extensive replacement process to its three escalators, the second-longest in the system and the second-longest in the Western Hemisphere (behind the escalators at Wheaton.
“Being chosen for Metro’s model station pilot program is welcome news for the Bethesda community,” Councilmember Roger Berliner (D-Bethesda- Potomac) said in a statement.
“As the economic engine of Montgomery County, Bethesda is a gateway station for many transit riders. I am so grateful to General Manager Sarles and the WMATA Board for recognizing the value of the Bethesda station to the Metro network and the economic vitality of our county. We all look forward to seeing the new and improved Metro station.”
Video via Metro
