Metro’s Light Rail Expansion: CAF USA Vehicles for Los Angeles

Metro is investing over $64 million for 190 new light rail vehicles from CAF USA, enhancing Los Angeles’ public transportation with improved capacity and modern design.

Metro’s Light Rail Expansion: CAF USA Vehicles for Los Angeles
January 12, 2017 8:41 am
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Introduction

In July 2023, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors approved a contract with a total value of $64,367,314 to purchase 190 new light rail vehicles. These vehicles will be used for various Metro rail lines, enhancing the public transportation infrastructure in Los Angeles County.

Contract Details and Supplier

The contract, awarded to Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF USA), includes the base order of 190 light rail vehicles, with options for up to 219 additional vehicles. The base order is valued at $64,367,314. The new vehicles will replace existing ones and expand the fleet to meet the growing demand on Metro’s rail lines.

Vehicle Specifications

The light rail vehicles will be approximately 80 feet long and feature a modern design. Each vehicle will have the capacity to carry approximately 240 passengers. The new vehicles will be equipped with advanced safety features and improved accessibility for passengers.

Implementation and Timeline

The new light rail vehicles are scheduled to be delivered starting in 2026. They will be deployed across Metro’s rail system, including the A Line (Blue), B Line (Red), C Line (Green), D Line (Purple), E Line (Expo), and the future K Line (Crenshaw) and the new 9.1-mile East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project. The integration of these vehicles is part of Metro’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its public transportation services to improve ridership capacity by at least 10% on the lines where they are deployed.

Sustainability Initiatives

Metro is committed to sustainability, integrating
electric trains
and exploring the use of
wind power
to reduce its environmental impact. The new light rail vehicles are designed to be energy-efficient, contributing to Metro’s sustainability goals.

You might be interested in:

Last July 2018, we published an article about the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail project. Click here to read – LA Metro’s East San Fernando Valley Rail: Project Overview

Conclusion

Metro’s investment in 190 new light rail vehicles from CAF USA, totaling $64,367,314, is a significant step in enhancing public transportation in Los Angeles County. The new vehicles, scheduled for delivery starting in 2026, will serve multiple rail lines, improving capacity and passenger experience, while supporting Metro’s sustainability objectives.

Company Summary

Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF USA): CAF USA is a subsidiary of CAF, a global company specializing in the design, manufacture, maintenance, and supply of railway vehicles and components. They were awarded a contract by Metro to supply 190 light rail vehicles.

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro): Metro is the primary public transportation agency in Los Angeles County, California. It operates a network of bus and rail lines, including the A Line (Blue), B Line (Red), C Line (Green), D Line (Purple), E Line (Expo), and the future K Line (Crenshaw), and the new 9.1-mile East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project.

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