Siemens to Supply an Additional 18 Light Rail Vehicles in Cleveland

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) has ordered an additional 18 S200 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) from Siemens Mobility.

This order will bring the total number of Siemens Mobility LRVs in GCRTA’s fleet to 48. The new vehicles will replace the current fleet operating on the Red, Blue, and Green Lines.

GCRTA initially placed an order for 24 S200 LRVs in 2023, followed by an additional six in 2024. The latest order of 18 vehicles further extends the transition to a modernised fleet.

Production of the initial batch is currently underway at Siemens Mobility’s manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California.

Siemens Mobility North America President and CEO, Marc Buncher said:

Siemens Mobility is thrilled to continue our partnership with The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and further connection for communities in the great city of Cleveland. These American-made light rail vehicles offer a modern, sustainable transportation solution to keep riders connected and on their way.

GCRTA’s existing fleet has been in service for over 40 years, surpassing the typical design life of transit passenger rail cars.

The first new S200 LRVs are expected to be delivered in 2026. These high-floor vehicles will include dual-height doors to ensure accessibility for both high- and low-level platforms, making them suitable for operation on all three lines.

India L. Birdsong Terry, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of GCRTA said:

Our team is elated to be one step closer to achieving a complete replacement of our rail fleet, after decades of dependable service within Greater Cleveland. Knowing that we are embarking upon a significantly enhanced customer experience for future generations of GCRTA ridership is both exciting and transformative --- a rare, once in a lifetime moment that I look forward to celebrating alongside our customers very soon.

The S200 LRVs are designed with 52 seats, space for standing passengers, four wheelchair areas, and two bicycle racks. An advanced infotainment system will be incorporated to provide passenger information.

The vehicles will also be equipped to handle Cleveland’s winter conditions, featuring ice-cutting technology, a dedicated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the driver’s cab, and a heated windshield.