Transit agencies: Stocking up on rolling stock

Rolling stock is a key transit-rail focus right now, as agencies continue efforts to expand lines, add service and modernize systems.

Late last month, MTA Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation unveiled a mock-up of the new M-8 electric cars they ordered from Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. in 2006. The cars will feature brighter interior lights and colors, a more open design, enhanced comfort and security, larger windows, high-back seats featuring individual head rests and automated announcements with coordinated destination signs.

During the next several months, the DOT and Metro-North will continue to finalize the car design. The first prototype car is scheduled to be delivered in late 2009.

Also last month, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority placed four new cars into service on its Blue Line. The vehicles are the first of 94 cars that will be delivered to the agency during the next 18 months under a $172 million contract with Siemens Transportation Systems Inc.

The stainless steel cars feature wider passenger seating, hand straps and automated audio/visual systems displaying station announcements.

The Regional Transportation District of Denver placed just awarded Siemens a contract: a $184 million order for 55 SD160 light-rail vehicles — Siemens’ largest-ever light-rail vehicle contract.

The agency will use the vehicles to provide additional service as part of the
FasTracks program, which calls for building and extending several light-rail lines. The cars will be delivered between 2009 and 2011.

Norfolk, Va.’s Hampton Roads Transit also placed a car order with Siemens last month. The agency awarded the car builder a $31 million contract to supply nine S70 low-floor light-rail vehicles for its 7.4-mile light-rail line that’s currently under construction.

The line will link the Eastern Virginia Medical Center and downtown Norfolk. Siemens will deliver vehicles between June 2008 and November 2009.

Meanwhile, VIA Rail Canada Inc. last month issued a request for proposals to upgrade 98 passenger cars that operate in the Québec City-Windsor corridor. The agency plans to install new electrical and mechanical systems; improve lighting, heating and air conditioning systems; renovate interiors; and repaint exteriors to feature VIA Rail’s new color scheme.

Finally, New Jersey Transit is addressing power needs. Last month, the agency placed an order with Bombardier Transportation for 27 ALP-46A electric locomotives. The $229 million contract includes options for an additional 33 locomotives.

To be based on the ALP-46 locomotives NJ Transit has used since 2002, the latest version will feature improved acceleration. Bombardier expects to begin delivering the units in fall 2009.