The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) board voted to approve the Rail Car Replacement Team’s recommendation of Siemens Mobility Inc. as the preferred vendor to replace their aging rail fleet.

“I am overjoyed for my team, and our customers regarding this pivotal achievement,” said GCRTA GM/CEO India L. Birdsong Terry. “Today’s approval by the GCRTA Board Trustees underscores the importance of public transportation to our region and subsequent investment in our communities. Together, we move forward in strengthening our transportation network and associated infrastructure.”

The approval initiates the process of awarding a contract to Siemens for the purchase of 24 S200 railcars, with the option to purchase up to a total of 60 in the future. The new railcars are modeled after a fleet currently used by Calgary Transit.

Features of the new railcars include:

• High-floor light rail vehicles with two-door heights for high- and low-level platform accessibility that provides the ability for the trains to operate on all rail lines.

• Advanced infotainment systems for enhanced digital and travel experience.

• Modern operator cab area with dedicated HVAC unit, heated windshield, and enhanced visibility.

• Ice cutter pantographs installed on every car.

• 52 passenger seats, four wheelchair areas, and two bicycle rack locations per railcar.

“Siemens looks forward to working with GCRTA and the community in bringing these new railcars to Cleveland. It’s truly a historic moment,” said Siemens Mobility Inc., North America President of Rolling Stock, Michael Cahill. “Next steps are getting to work in gathering all of the design input needed to get these cars built, and we look forward to a great working relationship with GCRTA.”

The railcar replacement project total budget currently stands at $393 million, inclusive of new railcars, infrastructure modifications, railroad connections, engineering, testing, training, field support, spare parts, and special tooling. Support for this project comes from the FTA, the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, and GCRTA.