Woojin Industrial Systems Spearheads LA Metro Modernization for 2028 Olympics with A650 Railcar Overhaul
Aging **LA Metro subway cars**, once a familiar sight rumbling through Los Angeles’ tunnels, are now undergoing a remarkable transformation. These **A650 railcars**, stripped and fully reengineered, are returning to operational readiness. Currently, painted a distinctive canary yellow, they are undergoing rigorous testing on a specialized track in Osong, North Chungcheong Province, marking a pivotal step in their **modernization journey**.
This significant **subway car refurbishment** project is spearheaded by **Woojin Industrial Systems**, a renowned **Korean rolling stock manufacturer**. In 2024, Woojin secured a substantial 300 billion won ($200 million) contract from the **Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro)**. The agreement covers the comprehensive **overhaul of up to 74 aging A650 railcar units**, a critical initiative as **Los Angeles prepares to modernize its metro fleet** in anticipation of the **2028 Olympic Games**.
The initial two-car **A650 unit** arrived at the specialized **Osong test track** in April, commencing its crucial test operations earlier this month upon track energization.
For **Woojin Industrial Systems**, this milestone marks a significant chapter in its illustrious half-century history. The company’s journey began in the 1970s with the reverse-engineering of foreign train components, leading to its successful entry into the **US rail market** by 2011 through extensive **refurbishment contracts**.
“We view the **A650 contract** as a profound recognition of our relentless **technological development** over the past five decades,” stated CEO Kim Jung-hyun. He added, “Our ability to design and manufacture over 90 percent of the electrical systems integrated into **railcars** grants us unparalleled expertise, enabling us to restore virtually any train to optimal operation.”
Beyond mere component replacement, **Woojin Industrial Systems** undertakes a complete, **inside-out rebuild** of the **LA Metro A650 railcars**. This extensive process involves upgrading and swapping critical systems, including advanced propulsion systems, auxiliary power units, modern air conditioning, cutting-edge passenger communication systems, and sophisticated diagnostics software, all integrated with entirely **redesigned components**.
Presently, the initial four **A650 train pairs** are undergoing intensive **refurbishment and testing in Korea**. This rigorous phase includes a mandatory 3,000-mile burn-in run at the **Osong test track**, ensuring peak performance before their shipment to **California**. Upon arrival, these **modernized subway cars** will undergo further crucial testing directly on **Los Angeles rail lines**.
Subsequently, remaining **A650 vehicles** will be **refurbished** at Woojin’s newly established, state-of-the-art factory in **Carson, California**. This strategic move solidifies the company’s presence in the **US rail market**, positioning it advantageously for future **mass transit contract bids**. The delivery of the first refurbished unit is slated for October 2027, with the final unit projected for completion by April 2029.
**Woojin Industrial Systems** affirms that this monumental project will unequivocally demonstrate its advanced **engineering and execution capabilities** within the highly demanding **US rail market**. It represents a significant stride toward realizing its ambitious vision as a leading **global railway player**.
“The successful commencement of test operations for our first married pair stands as irrefutable proof of our profound **technological capability**,” a **Woojin official** emphasized, highlighting the project’s early successes.
Looking ahead, **Woojin Industrial Systems** harbors aspirations beyond **subway overhauls**. The company’s innovative **driverless mass transit systems** are already successfully deployed in major cities like Busan and Seoul, while its cutting-edge technology powers **airport shuttle trains** at international hubs such as Jakarta and Incheon.
“**Woojin Industrial Systems** is strategically positioned to expand its global footprint, not solely through large-scale **refurbishment projects** but also by deploying its specialized **shuttle train systems** for diverse applications, particularly in airports worldwide,” affirmed CEO Kim Jung-hyun.
