Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has received its first next-generation railcar as part of a $435 million effort to replace its aging fleet.
GCRTA officials marked the arrival Monday of the first Siemens Model S200 Light Rail Vehicle, which the agency says will bring improved safety, comfort, cleanliness and reliability to riders. The 54 new railcars are being built at the Siemens Mobility factory in Sacramento, CA.
The new railcars feature 52 easy-to-clean seats, additional standing room, four wheelchair areas, two bicycle racks and an infotainment system, according to GCRTA.
The vehicles also are designed to handle Cleveland's winter weather, with ice-cutting technology and a heated windshield. The operator's cab includes a dedicated heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and improved visibility.
“This arrival is more than just new equipment; it’s a promise kept to our riders,” GCRTA General Manager and CEO India L. Birdsong Terry said in a statement. “These new LRVs are catalytic for the health and economics of Greater Cleveland. They will promote increased ridership and encourage transit-oriented development (TOD) along the Red Line communities from East Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.”
Upon arrival, each new railcar will undergo safety and commissioning tests at GCRTA's Brookpark rail yard and on the agency's rail system before entering passenger service. GCRTA officials say additional railcars are anticipated to arrive in Cleveland at a rate of approximately two per month until all 54 vehicles are delivered.
GCRTA expects the new railcars to begin Red Line service in summer 2027, followed by the Blue and Green lines in summer 2028.
Full coverage: wkyc.com/article/news/community/transportation/greater-cleveland-rta-railcar-new-fleet-435-million-siemens-red-line-green-blue-testing-rail-system-replacement-program/95-912db4cc-aa09-4aff-9099-8bfc08e379df --
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The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has received its first next-generation railcar as part of a $435 million effort to replace its aging fleet.
GCRTA officials marked the arrival Monday of the first Siemens Model S200 Light Rail Vehicle, which the agency says will bring improved safety, comfort, cleanliness and reliability to riders. The 54 new railcars are being built at the Siemens Mobility factory in Sacramento, CA.
The new railcars feature 52 easy-to-clean seats, additional standing room, four wheelchair areas, two bicycle racks and an infotainment system, according to GCRTA.
The vehicles also are designed to handle Cleveland's winter weather, with ice-cutting technology and a heated windshield. The operator's cab includes a dedicated heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and improved visibility.
“This arrival is more than just new equipment; it’s a promise kept to our riders,” GCRTA General Manager and CEO India L. Birdsong Terry said in a statement. “These new LRVs are catalytic for the health and economics of Greater Cleveland. They will promote increased ridership and encourage transit-oriented development (TOD) along the Red Line communities from East Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.”
Upon arrival, each new railcar will undergo safety and commissioning tests at GCRTA's Brookpark rail yard and on the agency's rail system before entering passenger service. GCRTA officials say additional railcars are anticipated to arrive in Cleveland at a rate of approximately two per month until all 54 vehicles are delivered.
GCRTA expects the new railcars to begin Red Line service in summer 2027, followed by the Blue and Green lines in summer 2028.
Full coverage: wkyc.com/article/news/community/transportation/greater-cleveland-rta-railcar-new-fleet-435-million-siemens-red-line-green-blue-testing-rail-system-replacement-program/95-912db4cc-aa09-4aff-9099-8bfc08e379df --
At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home.
Follow 3News on Social:
Facebook: facebook.com/wkyc.channel3
Twitter: twitter.com/wkyc
Instagram: instagram.com/wkyc3
Visit our site: wkyc.com
And be sure to download our app here: wkyc.com/app
