Calgary Transit (CT) unveiled its new S200 light rail vehicle today at the Oliver Bowen Maintenance Facility. The high floor vehicles are being designed and manufactured by Siemens at its Sacramento, Calif. plant and include new features that allow for full accessibility, increased energy efficiency, new passenger comfort and safety features, improved operator and maintenance systems, and specific adaptations for the Calgary climate.

The new vehicles were designed based on direct input from the riding public and Calgary Transit.

Siemens has designed the light rail vehicles to withstand the challenging Calgary environment by including thermal insulated walls, triple-pane windows with low solar transmittance, electric floor heating, and forced air heating and cooling system provides a comfortable passenger environment in all weather conditions. The vehicles are fitted with the most advanced corrosion protection coatings available in the industry to protect them from the elements.

The new light rail vehicles feature various systems that will help improve reliability including back-up power systems and improved communication and diagnostics systems between the driver and the maintenance shop to resolve issues promptly. The vehicles were also designed with the passenger comfort and safety in mind and now include slip-resistant flooring, on-board security systems, GPS mapping displays, and larger windows and doors to increase natural light and provide visual security.

The S200 vehicles are fully compliant with the City of Calgary’s Access Design Standards, providing barrier-free access at all vehicle doors, making them easily accessible for passengers with disabilities and those pushing strollers or transporting bicycles or bulky objects.

To improve operation and maintenance, the new vehicles offer a larger, redesigned operator cab and a larger, heated windshield and side windows offering a nearly 360 degree view. Diagnostic data is now transmitted automatically and wirelessly to wayside operations, allowing the source of any issues to be detected and resolved quickly.

Siemens will be delivering a total of 63 vehicles for the Calgary Transit light rail system as part of a contract announced in September 2013. Calgary Transit expects the new vehicles to begin operation this spring.