Very strange, because in early August, WMATA loved how the cars are coming along. In that article, they're projecting to possibly finish the project a year ahead of schedule. Also, the cars are meeting and exceeding their MDBD requirements.
https://wamu.org/story/17/08/01/7000-se ... ess-story/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NYC has its own issues, and I wouldn't fault Kawasaki completely on it. Their own service and maintenance forces have been deferring maintenance to where the newer cars, including the R160 cars have been performing worse. They are now piloting a refurbished car where selected components were overhauled, which will be implemented on the fleet if performance meets requirements. NYC also recently fired some of their executives and the TTC's Andy Byford is coming in to take over managing the agency.
PATH has ordered 50 more PA-5 cars from Kawasaki as of late, and the original PA-5 cars are going to have some components overhauled under scheduled maintenance.
http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_rel ... ath-system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sounds to me that it could be someone within WMATA that likely screwed something up based on how they have managed things for many years now.
Gotta love Alstom. Every year on opening day of hunting season, it is a paid holiday!