Valley Metro adding 11 Siemens S70 light rail vehicles
The new vehicles offer a larger interior, energy-efficient LED lighting, and heavy-duty air conditioning systems, and will be built at Siemens' manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif.
Valley Metro's S70 light rail vehicles will be built on the same proven technology as Siemens' SFMTA vehicles.
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Valley Metro's S70 light rail vehicles will be built on the same proven technology as Siemens' SFMTA vehicles.
Phoenix Valley Metro Rail ordered 11 new S70 light rail vehicles (LRV) from Siemens, which includes an option for up to 67 additional vehicles.
The new vehicles offer a larger interior, energy-efficient LED lighting, and heavy-duty air conditioning systems, and will be built at Siemens' manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif.
"Investment in transit is a major contributor to powering this nation's ongoing economic growth, both locally and across the country," said Valley Metro Rail Chair, Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell. "We look forward to successful collaboration and partnership with Siemens who plays a critical role in the expansion of our Valley's light rail system."
The railroad has issued a formal request for proposals to manufacturers for more than 800 new passenger railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes nationwide.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.