Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) chose Siemens to provide innovative electrification technology to power the Guadalupe Corridor light rail line. VTA’s infrastructure modernization will replace 27-year-old systems with Siemens’ new state-of-the-art electrification technology that includes advanced monitoring and diagnostic features to streamline maintenance activities.

The new technology includes traction power substations that convert alternating current electricity provided by the local utility to direct current in order to power the light rail trains, modern protection communication devices, and advanced circuit breakers and controllers that monitor the system and report issues if they arise. These systems can detect faults sooner and minimize stress on the line, resulting in a longer vehicle lifecycle and ultimately a more reliable ride for the approximately 10 million passengers who rely on VTA’s light rail system each year.

Siemens will be responsible for the full delivery of the project from design and production to final commissioning, including all elements of preparing the site and replacing the old existing traction power substations that converts electric power for the vehicles. This the first time Siemens will serve as the prime contractor for VTA.

Commissioning is scheduled to begin in November 2017.