The first modern streetcar has been delivered by Siemens to CATS’ South Boulevard Rail Facility. These vehicles will operate on the CityLYNX Gold Line, replacing the Gomaco old-style replica vehicles, once Phase 2 opens for revenue service.
A total of six Siemens S70 streetcar vehicles have been procured as part of the CityLYNX Gold Line Phase 2 project. The vehicles are equipped with hybrid technology, allowing them to operate off-wire, without the use of overhead electrical systems, from the Spectrum Arena/CTC stop to Mint Street in Uptown Charlotte.
The new streetcars, which resemble a smaller version of CATS Blue Line light rail vehicles, are equipped with 52 seats, can hold up to 117 standing passengers, and provide level boarding. Amy Cheng, the artist creating art-glass for the two Hawthorne Lane stops, has also designed the interior seat fabric for the vehicles.
As each new streetcar arrives to CATS, it will begin a series of tests required for the certification and operation of the new vehicles. The remaining five vehicles are in various stages of completion and are all expected to be delivered by Spring 2020.
Learn more about these modern streetcar vehicles by visiting ridetransit.org.
