CLEVELAND — The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will purchase an additional 18 light rail vehicles from Siemens Mobility for use on its Red, Blue, and Green lines, Siemens has announced.
The order for the S200 LRVs exercises a second option from an initial purchase for 24 of the vehicles made in 2023 [see “Siemens to build new light rail equipment …,” Trains News Wire, July 10, 2023]. The RTA had previously exercised an option for six additional vehicles, so the latest move will bring to 48 the total number of the light rail trainsets on order.
The current Cleveland fleet is more than 40 years old, exceeding the usual lifespan of transit equipment. The first of the new vehicles is expected to be delivered in 2026.
“Our team is elated to be one step closer to achieving a complete replacement of our rail fleet, after decades of dependable service within Greater Cleveland,” GCRTA CEO India L. Birdsong Terry said in a press release. “Knowing that we are embarking upon a significantly enhanced customer experience for future generations of GCRTA ridership is both exciting and transformative — a rare, once in a lifetime moment that I look forward to celebrating alongside our customers very soon.”
The new high-floor equipment features two door heights, for both high- and low-level platforms, allowing it to operate on all three of the rail lines. The cars feature 52 seats, four areas for wheelchairs, two bicycle racks, and an advanced infotainment system, and have features for winter operation including ice-cutting technology, a heated windshield, and a dedicated heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system for the operator cab.
“Siemens Mobility is thrilled to continue our partnership with The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and further connection for communities in the great city of Cleveland,” said Marc Buncher, CEO, Siemens Mobility North America. “These American-made light rail vehicles offer a modern, sustainable transportation solution to keep riders connected and on their way.”
