Siemens to deliver 11 LRVs for Phoenix Valley Metro Rail, Arizona

Siemens has been contracted by urban transport company Phoenix Valley Metro Rail to deliver 11 new S70 light rail vehicles (LRV).

The vehicles will be built at the Siemens’ manufacturing plant in Sacramento, California, and are set for deployment in Phoenix, Arizona.

The initial contracted order for 11 units is valued at nearly $57.9m, which also includes the option for up to 67 additional LRVs.

Siemens Urban Transport CEO Sandra Gott-Karlbauer said: “Phoenix is already the 18th city in North America to rely on light rail vehicles built by Siemens.

“Our modern vehicles offer riders a comfortable and safe journey on board. Siemens’ rapid transit systems offer cities throughout the world reliable solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.”

The new vehicles will feature larger interior space than previous models and will also be equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and heavy-duty air-conditioning systems.

Valley Metro Rail Chair and Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell said: “Investment in transit is a major contributor to powering this nation’s ongoing economic growth, both locally and across the country.

“We look forward to successful collaboration and partnership with Siemens, who plays a critical role in the expansion of our Valley’s light rail system.”

The contract forms a part of Valley Metro Rail’s wider expansion plan, which will start with the opening of the extension to Gilbert Road in Mesa in 2019, reported Globalrailnews.com.

The first S70 LRV is scheduled for delivery in 2020.