The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) board voted to approve the Rail Car Replacement Team’s request to exercise a negotiated competitive contract option for the purchase and delivery of up to six new railcars from Siemens Mobility. 

The approval is another step toward fulfilling the contract agreement with Siemens Mobility for the total purchase of 60 Siemens Model S200 railcars, which will then replace GCRTA’s existing fleet of heavy and light rail trains. 

“Today’s approval by the GCRTA Board Trustees emphasizes the importance of public transportation to our region and subsequent investment in our communities,” said GCRTA GM/CEO India L. Birdsong Terry. “Together, we move forward in strengthening our transportation network and associated infrastructure.”

GCRTA’s New Railcars

Features of the new GCRTA railcars from Siemens include:

• High-floor light rail vehicles with two-door heights accommodate both high- and low-level platforms, enabling trains to operate on all rail lines.

• An advanced infotainment system for an enhanced digital and travel experience.

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

• Ice cutter pantographs are installed on every car. 

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

The railcar replacement project total budget currently stands at $450 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 Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), and the Greater Cleveland RTA.