Siemens lands Portland TriMet LRT order

Siemens Mobility said Thursday it has been awarded a $73 million contract to supply 18 S70 light rail transit vehicles to TriMet, solidifying the company's presence in one the premier U.S. LRT and streetcar cities.

Siemens said the cars will be manufactured at its Sacramento, Calif., facility, which is powered in large measure by solar energy. Delivery is expected to begin in August 2014.

TriMet’s order is in anticipation of its system expansion through the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project, linking the namesake locations and running southeast from Portland’s city center. The 7.3-mile extnsion will Portland State University downtown with inner Southeast Portland, Milwaukie, and North Clackamas County; it is expected to commence revenue operation in September 2015.

Siemens noted the contract will bring the total number of S70 light rail cars manufactured for TriMet by Siemens to 40.

“This fifth generation of MAX light rail vehicles will include many improvements for riders and operators,” said Dan Blocher, TriMet executive director of Capital Projects. “We’re excited to be working with Siemens on the MAX vehicles TriMet needs to operate the region’s light rail system when the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project begins service in 2015.”

“For more than 25 years, Siemens has been a committed partner with TriMet in providing modern, efficient rail electrification, and quality rolling stock to accommodate the growth and expansion of the region,” says Michael Cahill, president, Rail Systems division, Siemens Infrastructure & Cities in the U.S. “We are proud to continue this relationship by providing these new light rail vehicles, which will be built 100% in the United States using sustainable manufacturing practices.”

Siemens said that compared with the fourth-generation of TriMet equipment, the 18 new S70 cars will be more durable, include energy-efficient LED interior lighting, offer improved HVAC for passenger comfort, offer more ergonomic cabs for operators, provide upgraded digital camera technology, provide improved ADA ramps for better accessibility, feature improved vehicle seating layout, and allow for “more advanced vehicle diagnostics and easier maintenance.”