Siemens Lands Another SacRT LRV Order

“SacRT’s order of eight additional S700 LRVs is a testament to our shared dedication to providing trains that elevate the passenger experience, promote long-term sustainability, and enhance operational availability,” said Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility in North America.

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California has selected Siemens Mobility to supply eight additional S700 low-floor LRVs (light rail vehicles) for its 43-mile, 53-station system, bringing the total number on order to 36.

SacRT initially awarded Siemens a 20-car contract in 2020, which included an option for up to 76 more, to replace older cars that had reached the end of their useful life. Siemens had previously provided 36 U2A vehicles in the late 1980s. In 2021, SacRT ordered eight more Siemens S700s.

According to the agency, which celebrates 50 years of service this year, the new LRVs will have “a spacious seating design, larger windows for better light and views, and improved accessibility with wider aisles.” Additionally, they will offer “improved performance and optimized availability” provided by condition monitoring, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Siemens has already delivered 17 of the new LRVs to SacRT’s light rail facility in north Sacramento. They are undergoing testing before being integrated into service, which is expected to begin on the Gold Line by summer 2024, SacRT reported.

The new low-floor cars are part of SacRT’s Light Rail Modernization Project, which includes station modifications to accommodate them and the addition of a passing track to provide 15-minute service to Folsom-area stations.

The station platforms are required to be at least eight inches above the top of track to allow bridge plate and ramp assemblies to deploy properly, according to SacRT (see image above).  Most stations (48 of 53) serving the light rail system do not have platforms meeting that requirement and will need to be raised with the addition of concrete. The entire Gold Line is expected to be updated for the new cars by summer 2024.

“These state-of-the-art trains not only signify our commitment to providing efficient and modern mobility solutions, but also reflect our dedication to serving the community equitably,” SacRT General Manger/CEO Henry Li said. “This investment will not only improve the quality of travel for our passengers but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the Sacramento region.” 

“We are accelerating SacRT’s light rail modernization program which will improve the reliability of our fleet and improve access for persons with disabilities, seniors, bicyclists and families with strollers,” added SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy.  

“SacRT’s order of eight additional S700 LRVs is a testament to our shared dedication to providing trains that elevate the passenger experience, promote long-term sustainability, and enhance operational availability,” said Michael Cahill, President of Siemens Mobility in North America. “These trains will share a close connection with the region they serve, as they will be locally manufactured at our Siemens Mobility facility in Sacramento, continuing to enhance the long legacy of building light rail vehicles in Florin Park.”

“Here in Sacramento, our innovators like SacRT and Siemens are working together to deliver results for the community,” U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) said. “That’s why I have been such a strong, long-time advocate for bold federal investments in our region’s public transit. Earlier this year, SacRT received a $45 million federal infrastructure grant that is supporting the transition to an entirely new low-floor fleet.”