The latest S700 light rail vehicles (LRV) from Siemens Mobility entered revenue service on Valley Metro in Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa this week. 

The new fleet is being introduced gradually into the system after testing is completed, with the first three vehicles entering revenue service this week. They will operate on the current 28-mile system between Northwest Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, connecting riders to jobs, education, and entertainment.

The vehicles are designed to provide a passenger experience that includes racks for bicycle transportation, high-capacity air conditioning, and CCTV, which keeps operators informed of real-time monitoring of occupancy levels, passenger flow, and safety-related incidents.

“Adding new train fleet is a very important part of our light rail system expansion for today and in the near future when two new extensions open in Phoenix,” said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. “We appreciate the strong partnership that we have with Siemens Mobility as they incorporate the vehicle safety and comfort features that we’ve prioritized on our system.”

The vehicles are designed to provide a passenger experience that includes racks for bicycle transportation, high-capacity air conditioning, and CCTV, which keeps operators informed of real-time monitoring of occupancy levels, passenger flow, and safety-related incidents.

“This vehicle was designed with passengers top of mind,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility in North America. “Together with Valley Metro, we’ve created an LRV that is both safe and convenient while providing the ultimate passenger experience to metro Phoenix riders.” 

Based on Siemens Mobility’s popular S700 platform, the light rail vehicles for Valley Metro feature heavy-duty air conditioning systems to keep Phoenix area riders comfortable in a climate known to reach temperatures of up to 120 degrees (F). The new cars for Valley Metro also include a wheel flange lubrication system to reduce wheel-noise when passing through track curves. 

Seven of the 11 S700 vehicles ordered from Siemens Mobility have been delivered, with three of those ready for revenue service this week. Manufacturing of Valley Metro’s most recent 14 car order placed in 2020 will start early next year, which when completed, will bring Valley Metro’s total number of Siemens Mobility vehicles to 25. 

“On behalf of the 4,000 Siemens Mobility employees in the U.S, we are proud to partner with Valley Metro as we create an LRV made for the riders and desert temperatures,” said Cahill. 

Valley Metro joins the more than 35 transit agencies across North America benefiting from Siemens Mobility’s portfolio of rail vehicles, locomotives, components, and automation systems.