St Louis signs framework contract for up to 55 new LRVs

ST Louis light rail operator, Metro Transit, has awarded Siemens Mobility a $US 390.4m framework contract to supply up to 55 new high-floor LRVs.

The contract comprises a base order for 24 vehicles plus options for up to 31 additional LRVs, which will replace much of the original MetroLink fleet, also supplied by Siemens.

The Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved the contract with Siemens for the new LRVs on November 29. The contract includes project management, support, testing, spare parts tools, and diagnostic equipment.

The US Department of Transportation is partly funding the procurement of the new vehicles through a $US 196m grant awarded earlier this year.

MetroLink currently operates a fleet of 75 LRVs, of which over 20 are now 30 years old and have accumulated over 1.5 million km each in service, including 15 which have passed 3 million km.

“Many of Metro Transit’s MetroLink LRVs are operating well beyond the typical expected 25-year service life,” the agency says. It adds that the new high-floor vehicles LRVs will operate on the existing 74km network, which serves 39 stations and will be “well-equipped for the St. Louis region’s ever-changing weather.”

The 24 new LRVs will enter service in phases, with the first group of new vehicles expected to be in operation in the next few years.

“We are entrusted with the great responsibility of connecting people to opportunity,” says Mr Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development.

“These new vehicles are significant to ensuring the MetroLink system operates efficiently and continues to provide quality service to our customers across the region. Our existing fleet has lasted far longer than anticipated, a testament to the exceptional work performed by our MetroLink maintenance team over the past 30 years.

"We will continue to be good stewards of the public funds we receive and take great care of our new MetroLink fleet, so they can help the St. Louis region thrive for years to come.”

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