SacRT to add eight S700 low floor LRVs from Siemens Mobility to its fleet

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is strengthening its fleet with an order of eight additional S700 low floor light-rail vehicles (LRVs) from Siemens Mobility. The order builds upon the initial purchase of 20 Siemens Mobility S700 LRVs in 2020, followed by the additional order of eight more in 2021, bringing the total number of vehicles on order by SacRT to 36.

“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. We are excited to help make our hometown of Sacramento more accessible and connected and are grateful to SacRT for their continued partnership in this exciting endeavor.”

“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,” said SacRT General Manger and CEO Henry Li. “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.”

The S700 low-floor LRVs will have low-level boarding at every doorway, a spacious seating design, larger windows for better light and views and improved accessibility with wider aisles. In addition, the vehicles have improved performance and optimized availability provided by condition monitoring, remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance.

Siemens has already delivered 17 new low-floor trains to SacRT’s light rail facility in north Sacramento, where they are undergoing rigorous testing procedures. These tests are vital to ensuring the trains meet stringent safety and performance standards before being integrated into service, which is expected to begin on the Gold Line by summer 2024.

SacRT is one of more than 35 transit agencies across North America benefiting from Siemens Mobility’s portfolio of rail vehicles, locomotives, components and automation systems.

The S700 LRV’s for SacRT are manufactured in Sacramento, Calif. The plant stands as one of the largest and most sustainable facilities of its kind in the U.S., harnessing the power of the California sun through its 2.1 MWp solar panel installation. It is part of Siemens Mobility’s larger U.S. manufacturing network of eight facilities, nearly 4,500 employees and 2,000 suppliers.

“The additional order of new light-rail cars builds upon SacRT’s strong relationship with Siemens here in Sacramento and will dramatically improve accessibility and comfort for our riders,” said SacRT Board Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy. “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.”