Sacramento transit agency fast-tracks rail car repairs following heat wave

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) has expedited efforts to repair 10 light-rail cars to increase capacity following a heat wave in the western United States.

Last week, the light-rail fleet's air conditioning systems struggled to perform in the region's triple-digit temperatures, causing "extreme discomfort for both passengers and operators," SacRT officials said in a press release.

The repair work is aimed at reducing demand on older rail cars with less reliable air conditioning. Siemens began the repairs Monday.

"Our goal is to be better equipped to handle the next heat wave. We want our passengers to know we are aggressively pursuing solutions to improve air conditioning on the light-rail system." said Mark Lonergan, SacRT vice president of operations, in a press release. "We're confident the additional rail cars will provide more support to the overall service."