Siemens S700
| Siemens S700 | |
|---|---|
| |
| S700 example built for Seattle | |
| Years of manufacture | 2018 to present |
| Length | |
| Width | |
| Power | Alternating electric current |
The Siemens S700 is a modular, low floor light rail vehicle. As an updated Siemens S70, the new and improved was given a new name. Like the S70, the S700 is composed of one short low floor section between two longer, partial low floor sections. They typically feature four doors on each side and a powered bogie on each end.
History
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System placed an order for 45 Siemens LRVs in 2016. The first vehicle was delivered in August 2018. Initially still known as the S70, this version of features a redesigned middle section to improve passenger flow and provide door-to-door accessibility for riders in mobility devices.[1] This new design was later designated as S700.
In September 2015, Metro Transit, issued an RFP for new light rail vehicles for the extension of the Blue and Green Lines. Siemens was the only bidder. in 2016, 27 LRVs were ordered from Siemens.[2] Initially still known as the S70 like those in San Diego, these LRVs were built to the new S700 design. They were delivered between 2019 and 2022.
Charlotte Area Transit System took delivery of six S700 LRVs in 2019 and 2020. They have the capability to run wireless through Tryon Street allowing for a catenary-free zone through Uptown. The On Board Energy Storage System includes an expandable and modular design that can be updated as battery technology evolves. Each six-axle LRV is equipped with two power trucks (one under each end) and a non-powered center truck. While Charlotte's S70 LRVs were 93.6 feet long, the S700 LRVs are 85.25 feet long. They also have a different front end with round headlights and concealed couplers.[3]
Sound Transit issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in November 2015, for 122 LRVs. Three proposals were received and reviewed. A Request for Best and Final Offers (BAFOs) was issued in June 2016 to both Siemens and Kinkisharyo. Siemens's proposal was deemed to be the best value, and an order was placed for 122 LRVs from in September 2016. An additional 30 LRVs were ordered in April 2017. The S700 has a wider center-car aisle, more seats with space to stow luggage, and four bicycle hooks.[4] The cars have a new front end design with LED headlight arranged in dynamic lines.
Operators
- San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) - San Diego, CA
- Sound Transit - Seattle, WA
- TriMet - Portland, OR (ON ORDER)
- Valley Metro - Phoenix, AZ
- Metro Transit - Minneapolis, MN
- Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County - Houston, TX
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) - Charlotte, NC
- Sacramento Transit Authority Sacramento, CA (ON ORDER)
- Orange County Transportation Authority, Santa Ana, CA (ON ORDER)
References
- ↑ "San Diego MTS unveils 5000-series Siemens Trolley cars." Metro Magazine, 19 April 2019.
- ↑ Metropolitan Council: Business Item 2016-197 SW Award contract to Siemens Industry, Inc. for 27 light rail vehicles with 50 option vehicles.
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ "First new light rail vehicle arrives." Press release. Sound Transit. 19 June 2019.