WMATA

I hope they use their propulsion from the previous tech trains. Then I wouldn't mind it AS MUCH being on the C. If they use the Siemens propulsion i'm going to die.

Bombardier's latest heavy rail cars projects (CTA 5000 series and TTC Rocket) have incorporated their own MITRAC propulsion system. I imagine they'll use the MITRAC propulsion system in the R179s.

I know the design will be based on the R143/R160 design, but I wish it was radically different...MOVIA different. I visited some relatives in Toronto two weeks ago and had a chance to ride on the TTC's new Rocket train. Those trains are fantastic. They are extremely roomy; the ride was smooth and quiet. I think New Yorkers would love them. The costs of revamping the rail yards to accomodate articulated cars would be astronomical, though.

I still think it will probably be Kawasaki, although the earthquake/tsunami might make it somewhat less likely. Kawasaki after all will be busy with the R188, and maybe Bombardier, Alstom, or Siemens might be more able to meet NYCT's R179 delivery schedule.

if it's Bombardier then it would be good because is busy with R188, M8 and etc and also heard a rumor from a insider that these cars may not come with Alstom Onix propulsion system instead they want to go back with dealing with Siemens

I wouldn't be surprised if it was another builder. As you said, they have the R188 conversion contract, plus the M8 contract. They also have a contract to build 428 new cars for WMATA and possibly a mid-life rehabilitation contract for WMATA's 100 4000 series cars (which are expected to be fully compatible with the 7000 series).

1 Left Us. Mr. Layton Gibson was the T/O of an ill-fated train that crashed into a stopped train on the Willy B. over the East River. Car 4461 was the north motor of Train 0531-J.

I guess I'm just accustomed to the structurally weaker aluminum car bodies that Metrorail trains have, but it still amazes me that there was only one fatality (still unfortunate) in the Williamsburg bridge accident. Only 8-10 ft of the lead R42 car was compromised. In comparison, more than 20 ft of the lead car (Rohr built) in the June 2009 Metrorail crash was compromised. Anyone know how fast the J train was going?