Siemens announces winning a new customer and a $31M contract to build nine S70 low floor light rail vehicles for Hampton Road Transit (HRT) in Norfolk, VA. These modern, attractive and reliable light rail vehicles will be based on the same vehicle design as those in Charlotte, NC. "Building Virginia’s first light rail system, 22nd in the US, bolsters our sense of pride and joy," stated HRT president and CEO, Michael S. Townes.

Hampton Roads will be Siemens’ 5th customer to use the innovative low floor S70 vehicles built by Siemens Transportation Systems Inc. (STS) in Sacramento, CA. "As The Tide carries Norfolk into the next decade of urban redevelopment, our light rail vehicles will help to preserve the environment, connect people and ensure the quality of life in Norfolk." said Oliver Hauck, president and CEO of STS.

The 7.4 mile light rail system project began construction this November and is expected to begin operations by 2010 with daily ridership projections between 6,000 and 12,000. The new line will extend from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center through downtown to Newton Road. The delivery of the vehicles is scheduled to begin in June and go through November of 2009.