Houston taps Siemens for LRT order
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefHouston’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority of Harris County announced Wednesday it has awarded Siemens Industry, Inc. an $83 million contract for 19 S70 light rail vehicles, including spare parts, training, and manuals.
The order is the second from Houston to Siemens, bringing the total number of Siemens vehicles in Houston to 37. Siemens will produce the cars at its plant in Sacramento, Calif., which the company says is powered mostly by two megawatts of solar energy.
Delivery will begin in October 2012. The S70 has a maximum operational speed of 66 miles per hour—1 mph faster than LRT vehicles in Dallas, Houston’s in-state urban rival. The S70 low-floor design enables passengers to board the train at street level, providing quicker and easier access for people of all abilities, Siemens notes.
“Siemens is proud to provide these light rail vehicles, built right here in the United States and using sustainable manufacturing practices,” said Oliver Hauck, president, Mobility Division, Siemens Industry, Inc. “Light rail is a zero-emission transportation option, and it takes cars off the crowded roadways.”
