Siemens Mobility

(CHSRA Rendering)

CHSRA to Release High-Speed Trainset RFP

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) on April 11 reported that it will solicit proposals for six high-speed trainsets, including two prototypes to support testing and trial running, from the two prequalified, shortlisted manufacturers:

“As we continue to prioritize the enhancement of our transit system, I am thrilled to announce the purchase of nine additional new low floor light rail vehicles,” SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li said March 19. “By investing in these state-of-the-art trains, we are not only elevating the transit experience for our riders but also reinforcing our dedication to a sustainable future for the Sacramento region.” (Screen Grab from SacRT social media video post, courtesy of SacRT)

Transit Briefs: SacRT, TTC, Phoenix Valley Metro, Colorado General Assembly

Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) in California is exercising an option with Siemens Mobility for more LRVs (light rail vehicles). Also, Canada’s three biggest transit agencies, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), are urging the federal government to advance the next wave of transit funding; Valley Metro in Phoenix, Ariz., is installing new fare machines; and the Colorado General Assembly aims to leverage millions in federal infrastructure funding to bring passenger rail service to the state.

BART’s overall customer satisfaction rating in the most recent Passenger Experience Survey (PES) reached 81%, which is 7% higher than the previous quarter, according to the transit agency. (BART Photograph)

Transit Briefs: BART, Metro-North, VIA Rail, WMATA

San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) reports rider satisfaction gains. Also, MTA Metro-North Railroad completes its third station-accessibility project in 2024; VIA Rail Canada calls on Ottawa to replace its long-distance fleet; and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) increases police patrols on trains and buses.

(Siemens Mobility Photograph)

Wabtec Wins $157MM Siemens Brake Order

Wabtec Corporation on Jan. 24 reporting landing a $157 million brake system order from the Mobility Business of Siemens India Private Limited for Indian Railways’ (IR) new line of 1,200 electric locomotives for freight service.

With service expected to launch early next year, Phoenix Valley Metro’s 1.6-mile Northwest Extension Phase II project is now in the testing phase. (Phoenix Valley Metro Photograph)

Transit Briefs: CTA, MARTA, Phoenix Valley Metro, SacRT, Tri-Rail, TTC

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is developing a chatbot for customer assistance on its website. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) advances its Five Points Station Transformation Project; Phoenix Valley Metro readies for the Northwest Extension Phase II project’s 2024 launch; the first of Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) new Siemens Mobility SD700s enter the final testing phase; Tri-Rail’s commuter rail ridership recovery continues in Florida; and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) awards a radio communications coverage contract for a subway system pilot project.

SacRT in mid-year 2024 will begin introducing a new fleet of low-floor light rail trains from Siemens Mobility.

Transit Briefs: BART/MTC, East-West Rail, Metrolinx, NYMTA, SacRT, San Diego MTS

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) are expanding their unlimited transit pass pilot program. Also, a Massachusetts legislative-panel report finds that MassDOT should run east-west passenger rail; Metrolinx addresses the launch date for Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto; New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is considering recommendations for a congestion pricing toll rate schedule; Sacramento (Calif.) Regional Transit District (SacRT) provides a light rail transit-modernization update; and California Transit Association elects San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s (MTS) Sharon Cooney as Chair.

New Siemens LRVs for St. Louis

Metro Transit, St. Louis, has awarded Siemens Mobility a $390.4 million contract for up to 55 new high-floor light rail vehicles—a base order of 24 plus options for up to 31 additional