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4/22/2019
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) last week began rolling out its new generation of light-rail vehicles (LRV) on the UC San Diego Blue Line that operates between downtown San Diego and San Isidro, California, at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The S700 LRV is part of a 46-car order from Siemens that SDMTS placed in 2016, according to a SDMTS press release.
For the past seven months, SDMTS has been steadily receiving LRVs. The last are expected to be delivered over the next two years.
The S700 vehicles will enter into service as part of the system’s 5000 vehicle series and represent the third generation of cars in the light-rail network.
The new LRVs have the same low-floor characteristics as newer models in SDMTS’ current fleet, but feature a redesigned middle section to improve passenger flow and provide door-to-door accessibility for riders in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
To facilitate cleaning and maintenance, train seats will be upholstered standard in vinyl rather than the cloth used in previous models. Additional features include improved interior sight lines and relocated operational equipment to facilitate easier access by maintenance technicians.