Siemens Supplies Next-Generation Light Rail Equipment to US Cities
What happened
Siemens' rolling stock division is supplying light rail equipment to several US metropolitan areas, including Seattle, Sacramento, Houston, Minneapolis, and Portland. Siemens is preparing a successor to its light rail vehicle, which could feature substantially longer trainsets. A model shown by Siemens demonstrated a seven-unit trainset, measuring roughly 190 feet, compared to the current standard of 81 to 96 feet.
From trains.com
Why it matters
Siemens is demonstrating the scalability of its new rail technology to public transportation agencies. The design allows agencies to maximize passenger capacity by replacing dead space cabs with interconnected open gangways, which could influence future capital expenditure on transit infrastructure.
From trains.com
Who's involved
- SiemensSupplier of light rail equipment
- SeattleCity receiving light rail equipment
- PortlandCity receiving light rail equipment
- HoustonCity receiving light rail equipment
- MinneapolisCity receiving light rail equipment
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris CountySpeculative
Public transportation agencies might adjust future capital expenditure based on the potential for higher passenger capacity.