Siemens Mobility S700 helps Seattle serve its booming ridership with modern style and sustainability

Puget Sound’s regional transit authority, Sound Transit, has begun revenue service of its first Siemens Mobility S700 Light Rail Vehicles, part of a new fleet of more than 150 vehicles that have been ordered since 2016. All of the vehicles are American Made in Siemens Mobility’s solar-powered Sacramento manufacturing facility.

This new fleet will effectively triple the size of Sound Transit’s current fleet and help meet the region’s soaring demand for sustainable, efficient light transit – fueled by its thriving tech sector and continuing growth of locally-based companies like Amazon and Microsoft.

The growing ridership in Seattle and neighboring cities will now enjoy their light rail travel in sleek cars that feature larger windows, better accessibility and more luggage and bike storage space. LED light strips change color and alert when the door is opening/closing soon, helping to prevent unnecessary door blocking. And all this is accompanied by a new, upgraded passenger information system.

Sound Transit is undergoing an aggressive expansion plan which will nearly triple the current light rail system from 22 miles to 62 miles.

These new trains will play an important role. The S700 will be featured on their upcoming Northgate Link light rail extension, a new 4.3 mile project, which will open October 2.

“It has been an honor to help Sound Transit expand and update its light rail system,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility’s Rolling Stock business for North America. “Importantly, we look forward to helping Seattle show the important role that light rail plays in the sustainable growth of one of our country’s most important regions today.”

Contacts for journalists:

Chris Mckniff, Siemens Mobility

Phone: +1 (646) 715-6423; E-mail: chris.mckniff@siemens.com

For further information about Siemens Mobility in the U.S., please see: usa.siemens.com/mobility