Siemens has received an order for 45 new S70 light rail vehicles (LRVs) from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The new vehicles will enhance service on existing rail lines and provide the necessary LRVs to operate the 11-mile extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line that is now under construction.
The new LRVs will feature improved passenger flow, including greater wheelchair accessibility and bicycle storage. MTS will use 36 of the 45 new LRVs on its Mid-Coast Trolley expansion and the additional nine vehicles will be used to increase frequency on the UC San Diego Blue and Orange lines.
”Our relationship with Siemens is a true partnership,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. “We work together at every step to design the best-possible vehicle for our system and, more importantly, our riders.”
This order will bring the total number of vehicles supplied to MTS to 244, making MTS the largest U.S. light rail customer for Siemens.
Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rolling Stock, remarked, “Siemens is proud to continue our 35-year relationship with MTS by being chosen to build these advanced technology light rail vehicles for the city of San Diego. These California-built vehicles will help continue MTS’ legacy of outstanding service to its riders and help accommodate riders on their growing rail system.”
The S70s will be built at the Siemens rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento, Calif. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in late 2018.