Brookville Equipment Corp. delivered the first of six all-new Liberty® NXT Streetcar vehicles to Valley Metro Rail for its Tempe Streetcar system, slated to open later this year.

The 72-foot-long vehicles are delivering as part of a $33-million contract for the design, build, and test of six streetcar vehicles for the three-mile system, which will connect Tempe residents and visitors, as well as Arizona State University (ASU) students, with key current and emerging local destinations.

Like the previous iteration of the Liberty Streetcar, the Liberty NXT Streetcars for Tempe Streetcar will utilize a lithium-ion battery onboard energy storage system to traverse sections of the alignment without dependence on an overhead catenary system. The streetcar batteries will recharge while connected to areas where there is overhead wire.

The Liberty NXT Streetcars feature a three-section car body connected by two articulation joints with more than 70% available low-floor standing area, station-level easy boarding achieved through an automatic load leveling system, and seating for 40 passengers, and the ability to comfortably transport 120 passengers.

The Liberty NXT Streetcars also include a crashworthy frame, designed in compliance with ASME RT-1 standards for streetcar vehicles and California Public Utilities Commission buff strength requirements. The Liberty NXT also complies with Buy America requirements of 70% or greater U.S. content.