More than 40 years of light rail in North America

As the market leader in the U.S. and Canada, Siemens Mobility has delivered more than 2,000 light rail vehicles and streetcars to 20 cities over the past four decades. We have come a long way since the first light rail vehicle took its inaugural trip in San Diego in 1981.

Almost 40 years later, Siemens Mobility manufactures modern high- and low-floor light rail vehicles at its Sacramento, California manufacturing facility powered by a 2.1MW solar installation. Our innovative rail designs include the first low-floor light-rail vehicles in North America introduced in 1996, and the new S700 light-rail vehicle design featuring 100% low-floor technology. These low-floor designs enhance operational efficiency and accommodate those with impaired mobility. Today’s low- and high-floor light rail vehicles built by Siemens Mobility combine industry leading innovations with time-tested design to provide best-in-class service for cities across North America.

Connecting neighborhoods

Light rail systems move passengers to their destinations faster and more comfortably, allowing them to skip traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. Our light rail vehicles connect neighborhoods with city centers running mainly on tracks separated from the roads, making travel easy, reliable and affordable.

In addition, our streetcars share the street with private vehicles. Designed for a top speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), the streetcar offers an attractive alternative to traveling by car or bus in the city center. It also reduces downtown traffic and serves short local routes with frequent stops.

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Salt Lake City Light Rail Vehicle

Our portfolio for urban mobility in North America

The S700 is the latest innovation in Siemens Mobility low-floor light rail technology. Proven in the U.S. market with more than 450 sold to 10 transit agencies across the country, the S700 builds on the success of the beloved S70 platform – with a new name, modern design and new passenger experience.  Maintaining the many proven and reliable aspects of the beloved S70, the S700 features technological innovations throughout its vehicle design and an innovative open low-floor configuration that makes it one of the most accessible vehicles of its kind on the market. The end-to-end low-floor access for all passengers including those in the ADA community and better sightlines for security allows for noticeably improved passenger flow, comfort, safety and efficiency.

Reliability

The S700 has proven reliable in several demanding climates from Houston to Minneapolis, Phoenix to Seattle. A robust climate control system ensures customer comfort across a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.

Maintenance

The S700 has been designed with ease of maintenance as a prime factor intended to minimize turnaround times. Several service-proven features are included in the S700 standard design that will make maintenance, cleaning and repairs easier – including simplified truck and tire maintenance to reduce downtime.

Smart Technology

A remote diagnostic tool and rail remote service desk allows the end user remote access to view active and historic vehicle fault data. Data is sent in real-time when traveling on the alignment, at station platforms or vehicle staging locations. On-board energy storage systems can also provide energy to the propulsions system via a roof mounted unit if desired.

S700 low-floor light rail vehicle – side view

Vehicle

  • Three-section low-floor light rail vehicle
  • Meets the strict U.S. requirements for accessibility and safety (fire protection, body strength)
  • Continuous low floor vehicle design for 70 percent of the length of the passenger compartment
  • Vehicle Length: 81.4 ft – 95.4 ft (24.8 m – 29.1 m)
  • Vehicle Width: 8.7 ft (2.65 m)
  • Can form train consists of up to five vehicles by means of fully automatic couplers
  • Overhead line: 600 V DC, 750 V DC, 1,500 V DC
  • Maximum speed: 65 mph (105 km/h) 

Bogie

  • Two conventional motor bogies with axles, one trailer bogie with idle wheels
  • Track gauge: 1,435 mm
  • Optional active suspension for load-dependent control of the entrance level at the platform
  • Motorization: 66% (four of six axles are powered)
  • Full-suspension transverse drive arranged parallel to the axle

Body

The body has a lightweight construction to reduce total weight. However, it takes into account the especially strict U.S. guidelines regarding static strength, crashworthiness, and fire protection.