North County Transit District (NCTD) in Oceanside, Calif., signed a $50 million contract with Siemens Transportation Systems for the purchase of 12 diesel multiple unit (DMU) light rail vehicles. The Siemens Desiro model DMUs, which will be delivered in 2006, are a cross between traditional heavy passenger rail and electrically propelled light rail transit. The low-emission diesel cars will be used on the NCTD's planned Sprinter rail project, which will connect the existing bus system as well as Coaster, Amtrak and Metrolink trains.
Siemens signs $50M light rail vehicle contract
12 low-emission diesel multiple unit vehicles will be delivered in 2006.
More Rail

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
Read More →
Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Read More →
How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
Read More →
Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
Read More →
USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings
Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.
Read More →
NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
Read More →
WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
Read More →
Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
Read More →
Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
Read More →
USDOT Announces $6.7B for Northeast Corridor, Nationwide Rail Upgrades
Under Secretary Duffy, the grant program’s revamped criteria will prioritize safety; the American family; and workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, according to a press release.
Read More →