Project Profile: Charlotte Gold Line S700 Streetcar Modernization

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Gold Line expansion project demonstrates the integration of advanced rolling stock to enhance urban mobility. This profile details the deployment of six Siemens S700 hybrid streetcars, focusing on the vehicle’s technical specifications and its impact on the 6.43 km line. The project successfully replaced an aging fleet, introducing battery-hybrid technology for flexible, catenary-free operation in key urban sections.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the Siemens S700 streetcar, a double-articulated, 100% low-floor light rail vehicle. Each 27.4-meter unit is engineered with a lightweight steel body and features a hybrid propulsion system. The vehicles operate on 750V DC power from an overhead catenary system (OCS) and are also equipped with an On-board Energy Storage System (OESS). This battery technology enables catenary-free operation through sensitive urban areas and recharges kinetically and while under the OCS, providing significant operational flexibility.

The S700’s six-axle design incorporates two powered bogies and a central non-powered bogie for optimized power distribution and ride quality. The interior is designed for high-capacity urban transit, accommodating approximately 195 passengers with four dedicated wheelchair spaces and two bicycle racks. Advanced onboard systems include traffic light pre-emption for improved schedule adherence, automated passenger counting via 3D infrared sensors, a comprehensive passenger information system, and eight wide sliding plug doors to facilitate rapid passenger exchange.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid Technology Enhances Urban Integration: The S700’s ability to operate ‘off-wire’ using its OESS battery is a critical advantage, allowing the line to traverse historic or aesthetically sensitive districts without requiring overhead catenary infrastructure.
• Accessibility as a Core Design Principle: With a continuous low-floor design, level boarding ramps, and ample space for mobility devices, the S700 platform sets a benchmark for ADA compliance and user accessibility in modern US streetcar systems.
• Scalable Model for US Transit Modernization: The successful replacement of an older fleet with modern, higher-capacity, and more efficient vehicles on the Gold Line serves as a proven blueprint for other American cities looking to upgrade their urban rail networks.

FAQ

When did the new S700 streetcars begin service on the Charlotte Gold Line?

The expanded Charlotte Gold Line, featuring the new fleet of six Siemens S700 streetcars, officially opened for passenger service on August 30, 2021. This launch marked the completion of the project’s second phase and a full replacement of the line’s previous vehicles.

What is the key technology in Charlotte’s S700 streetcars?

The key technology is their hybrid propulsion system, which combines traditional 750V DC overhead catenary power with an On-board Energy Storage System (OESS). This allows the streetcars to operate wirelessly on battery power in designated zones and to recharge the batteries while running under the overhead lines, providing unmatched operational flexibility.