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9/1/2026
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) took delivery of its first new trainset on Aug. 31 as part of a $435 million investment to completely replace its aging fleet.
The newly arrived trainset, a Siemens Model S200 light-rail vehicle (LRV), features a modern design with 52 seats, additional standing room, four wheelchair areas, two bicycle racks and an advanced infotainment system. The vehicles are being built with cold-weather features, including ice-cutting technology and an operator cab area with a dedicated heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit, heated windshield and enhanced visibility.
A total of 54 of the new trainsets will eventually replace the GCRTA’s current combination of 40 heavy-rail and 34 light-rail trains, all of which are over 40 years old. Implementation of the new fleet is projected to increase the miles between service interruptions from the current 10,000 miles to 80,000 miles, and save about $7 million each year in maintenance costs, according to GCRTA estimates.
“This arrival is more than just new equipment; it’s a promise kept to our riders,” said GCRTA’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India Birdsong Terry. “These new LRVs are catalytic for the health and economics of Greater Cleveland. They will promote increased ridership and encourage transit-oriented development along the Red Line communities from East Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.”
Upon arrival, each new vehicle will undergo rigorous safety and commissioning tests at GCRTA’s Brookpark railyard and on the GCRTA rail system before entering official revenue Red Line service in August 2027 and Blue and Green lines rail service in August 2028.
In addition to the design, commissioning and delivery of the new rail cars, the total program cost includes modifications to maintenance facilities and rail station platforms, and safety certification.