Washington’s WMATA Metro is one of the busiest metrorail system in the USA. Relighting its 48 dim and crowded underground stations required a luminaire that could deliver exceptional lighting performance and reliably withstand the harsh environment of the trackbeds and rigorous cleaning regimes.

The STR9-W was GVA’s custom solution for the large-scale WMATA Metro project. The industrial luminaire delivers an outstanding 2000 lm/ft (300mm) and meets the strict requirements for color consistency. The aluminum body is compact and aesthetically pleasing but extremely rugged, built and tested to withstand years of intense vibrations, suction created by passing trains, accumulation of magnetic break dust, and pressure-washing treatment.

Three variations of the STR9-W were built for each of the beam distribution requirements (30°x30°, 10°x30°, and 60°x60°), each type with a distinct mounting bracket to ensure all luminaires were installed in the correct location. The STR9-W snaps onto custom rails so installation can be completed quickly, effortlessly, and without tools to best take advantage of the limited downtime of the trains.

Overall, STR9-W luminaires were installed in the track beds of 48 of Washington’s Metro stations and the result is impossible to miss; each renovated station is, on average, 6 times brighter since the relighting. Commuters have been buzzing on social media about the improved visibility and safety as well as highlighted visual effects created by passing trains.