Houston Metro introduces first of 14 new fourth generation light-rail vehicles

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) introduced the first of 14 new fourth generation (H4) light-rail vehicles (LRV) to the current fleet, which will service the Houston Metro Rail Red Line.

The H4's open seating plan and nearly four feet of aisle space allow easier flow through the car and better accommodates wheelchairs, strollers, and passengers with bicycles.

This is the authority's fourth procurement of LRVs since Houston Metro opened the Red Line for service in 2004 with 18 rail cars. Siemens was awarded a contract for the vehicles in 2019.

The vehicles go through an extensive qualification and safety process, with 1,000 miles of running time before going into service.