Metro Unveils Video Simulation of Bethesda 'Model Station of the Future'

Metro on Thursday unveiled a video simulation and new details surrounding its plan to use the Bethesda Metro station to pilot new design concepts as a part of its strategic plan, "Momentum."

Patch broke the news last month that Bethesda has been selected for the "Model Station of the Future" pilot project. The concepts tested at Bethesda may be used system-wide in the future, according to a Metro statement.

The pilot program will bring "improved lighting, better information and improved customer convenience" to the station.

According to Metro, some of the new concepts being considered include:

• High-output light fixtures to direct light to the vault ceiling.
• A new, anti-slip zone located at the bottom of the entrance escalators to serve as a transition between the escalators and station tiles. 
• A new information wall enclosing mezzanine equipment including fare machines, ATMs, maps and digital screens.
• A stainless steel and light gray interior to replace “Metro brown.”
• A new, thinner kiosk with digital panels for service information and new fare gates with next-generation technology for faster entry and exit.
• New, redesigned, taller pylons with wayfinding signage, real-time arrival information and additional lighting located on four wings extending from the top of each pylon.

“The National Capital Region is growing at an accelerated rate,” Metro General Manager Richard Sarles said in the statement. “It is imperative that we do everything we can to keep up with that growth—and that means testing future concepts today—so that we are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

The announcement marks a victory for Bethesda leaders, who have pushed for years for improvements at the Metro station. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and County Councilman Roger Berliner (D-Dist. 1) also lauded the project.

What do you think of the new concept for the Bethesda station? Tell us in the comments.