New Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles in Production as Federal Infrastructure Law Benefits Mobility in the Sacramento Region

January 28, 2022 General, SacRT News

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) and Siemens Mobility, Inc. announced significant mobility improvements benefitting the Sacramento region during a press conference at the Siemens Mobility manufacturing facility in south Sacramento, thanks to the new federal bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the largest long-term investment in infrastructure and the economy in our nation’s history, and provides more than $108 billion for public transit. This bold investment in public transportation will help Sacramento and the nation tackle climate change, advance equity, meet growing and evolving mobility demands, and create jobs.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is delivering for Sacramento – bringing critical funding that will act as a catalyst to further our region’s leadership in innovative public transportation programs,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Here in Sacramento, we have projects that are ready to go, with local leaders like SacRT and Siemens Mobility that have the ability to have a tremendous impact in our community. This is an exciting time to look to our future, and I am committed to continue fighting in Congress for the resources our region deserves.”

The law provides more than $10 billion in transit funding for California, assisting SacRT with its Light Rail Modernization Project, including the purchase of low-floor light rail vehicles, which are being manufactured by Siemens Mobility’s Rolling Stock division in south Sacramento. In December 2021, SacRT and Siemens Mobility executed a contract for the purchase of an additional eight vehicles, on top of the 28 currently being manufactured. SacRT’s contract with Siemens includes options for the purchase of up to 76 vehicles.

“This federal investment is helping SacRT expedite our light rail modernization and expansion programs, and conversion to accessible low-floor light rail vehicles,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “With the new federal investment, SacRT will be able to shift all of our light rail vehicles to low-floor in the near future, delivering on SacRT’s commitment to operating a world-class transit system.”

“Siemens Mobility has been manufacturing American-made light rail vehicles in Sacramento for more than 30 years. We delivered our first vehicles to SacRT in the 1980s and are looking forward to delivering the new low-floor S700 vehicles,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America. “SacRT is a prime example of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s ability to transform our communities. From new LRVs to digital solutions and alternative power sources, such as battery-hybrid technology, transit agencies around the country have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to provide more efficient and sustainable transit options.”

Siemens Mobility built SacRT’s original light rail fleet, which started operating in revenue service in 1987. Many of those vehicles are still in operation today; however, they are at, or past their useful life benchmark.

The new low-floor vehicles will have low level boarding at every doorway, a spacious seating design, and large windows for better light and views. They will feature improved accessibility with wider aisles and areas for bicycles. The new low-floor vehicles will increase overall operational flexibility by providing more access to passengers with disabilities and others boarding with strollers, bicycles and other mobility devices. The first low-floor vehicles are scheduled to be ready for SacRT service by fall 2023. Learn more about the project at sacrt.com/modernization.

“I have watched SacRT make major mobility improvements over the last few years, but this federal infrastructure investment will truly bring our transportation network into the 21st century,” said SacRT Board Chair and Citrus Heights Councilmember Steve Miller.

“SacRT’s contract with Siemens Mobility is a win-win for our region. We are upgrading our transit system while supporting hundreds of high-skilled manufacturing jobs at Siemens in South Sacramento,” said SacRT Board Vice-Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy.