Sep 23, 2025
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Board Members unanimously voted to approve the Rail Car Replacement Team’s request to exercise a negotiated competitive contract option for the purchase and delivery of up to 6 new rail cars from Siemens Mobility Incorporated during today’s GCRTA Board meeting.
The approval is another step towards fulfilling the contract agreement with Siemens Mobility Incorporated for the total purchase of 60 Siemens Model S200 rail cars which will then replace GCRTA’s existing fleet of Heavy and Light rail trains.
“I am extremely pleased for our customers and proud of my team on this amazing achievement,” said GCRTA General Manager, Chief Executive Officer India L. Birdsong Terry. “Today’s approval by the GCRTA Board Trustees emphasizes the importance of public transportation to our region and subsequent investment in our communities. Together, we move forward in strengthening our transportation network and associated infrastructure.”
New rail car features include:
• High floor light rail vehicles with two-door heights for high-and low-level platform accessibility that provides the ability for the trains to operate on all rail lines.
• Advance infotainment system for enhanced digital and travel experience.
• Modern operator cab area with dedicated HVAC unit, heated windshield, and enhanced visibility.
• Ice cutter pantographs installed on every car.
• 52 passenger seats, four wheelchair areas, and two bicycle rack locations per rail car.
The rail car replacement project total budget currently stands at $450 million, inclusive of new rail cars, infrastructure modifications, railroad connections, engineering, testing, training, field support, spare parts, and special tooling. Support for this project comes from The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and The Greater Cleveland RTA.