CLEVELAND — Siemens Mobility will build 24 light rail vehicles to replace the equipment currently operationg on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Red Line, the manufacturer announced today (July 10).
The GCRTA board had previously given preliminary approval to the Siemens proposal but needed to complete funding before finalizing the order [see “Cleveland RTA set to have Siemens build …,” Trains News Wire, April 5, 2023]. Funding for the equipment includes a $130 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration through the Rail Vehicle Replacement Program [see “Six rail systems receive federal grants …,” News Wire, May 8, 2023].
Completion of the order for S200 Light Rail Vehicles is scheduled to be completed in four years. The order includes an option for up to 36 additional vehicles to replace the Blue and Green Line fleets, and would standardize equipment across all lines in place of the current mix of heavy- and light-rail equipment.
The cars feature 52 seats, four wheelchair areas, two bicycle racks, and an advanced infotainment system. The final design will be developed by GCRTA and Siemens over the next 15 months, with construction at the Siemens plant in Sacramento, Calif.
“These new LRVs are catalytic for the health and economics of Greater Cleveland,” GCTRA CEO India L. Birdsong Terry said in a press release. “They will promote increased ridership and encourage transit-oriented development along the Red Line communities from East Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.” Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America, said, “We are grateful to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority for selecting us as their partner as they continue to enhance their community with reliable, safe, and sustainable transportation. With this updated fleet of LRVs we are proud to offer passengers enhanced accessibility, technology, and safety, making their daily commutes easier and more enjoyable.”
The 19-mile, 18-station Red Line currently uses subway-style heavy rail cars built by Tokyu Car Corp. in 1984 and 1985.
GCRTA received a grant of $130M from the Federal Transit Administration through the FY22/23 Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, a new program created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Currently, the Red Line uses a fleet of 40 (originally 60) stainless-steel subway-type heavy rail vehicles.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün
Wise choice from the GCRTA board.
Dr. Güntürk Üstün