Siemens to build 16 LRVS for new Charlotte, N.C., System

Railway Age, April, 2004

The Metropolitan Transit Commission of Charlotte, N.C., has selected Siemens Transportation Systems' bid to supply 16 light rail vehicles for $52.5 million, with an option to purchase up to 25 additional cars over a four-year period. The LRVs will operate over Charlotte Area Transit System's 10-mile, 15-station South Corridor Light Rail line, which is slated to open in October 2006.

Each 91-foot long, low-floor, electrically powered LRV will cost $3.28 million, with allowances for spare parts, equipment manuals, and training. In addition, each car can carry 236 riders, including 68 seated, and offers four interior bike racks and accommodations for four wheelchairs. The first LRV is expected to arrive in late 2005. MTC believes its chances are good for getting a federal commitment to pay half of the estimated $371 million cost of the line, which is projected to carry more than 17,000 riders by 2025. Service will operate initially every seven and one-half minutes in each direction during rush hour.