The Valley Metro Rail Board has authorized the purchase of rail fleet from two companies. The transport operator in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area will purchase from Siemens 11 S70 light rail vehicles under a USD 57.9 million contract that has an option for 67 additional S70 LRVs.
The Brookville Equipment will receive a contract for manufacture of six off-wire capable, battery propulsion streetcar vehicles over a three year period under a USD 33 million contract.
The fleet is needed for anticipated growth in future ridership along the current 42-km line, as well as expansion of service with the opening of the Gilbert Road Extension in 2019 and several extensions anticipated to open through 2026. The tram is scheduled to begin service in 2020.
With the planned expansion of the regional light rail system over the next 20 years, Valley Metro will be expanding the Operations and Maintenance Center to support the additional light rail vehicles and new tram fleet. Expansion will also include new storage tracks for light rail vehicles and build out of additional shop and storage facilities.
In Fiscal Year 2016, total ridership for the system was 67 million passengers. Seven high capacity transit extensions are planned or under construction that will create a 106-km system by 2034.
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