New Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles on the Gold Line  

September 1, 2024 General, SacRT in Community

SacRT introduced into service the new low-floor light rail vehicles on the Gold Line on Sunday, September 1, 2024. 

*Please note that construction to add a passing track to provide 15-minute service frequency to Folsom area stations is still ongoing. Once construction is complete, the new low-floor trains will operate on the Gold Line between Sacramento Valley Station and Historic Folsom Station.

SacRT Operating Mixed Light Rail Fleet 
 For the next few months, SacRT will continue operating a mixed fleet of both low-floor and high-floor light rail trains on the Gold and Green lines as we complete final testing and make necessary adjustments to onboard the remaining new low-floor trains. This means you might encounter both types of trains on your commute. 

 The Blue Line continues to operate with our current high-floor light rail trains. Passengers in mobility devices or those who cannot navigate stairs will need to use the mini-high ramps at the end of station platforms for boarding and deboarding. We appreciate your patience as we work through this transition

How to Use the Ramp on the New S700 Low-Floor Trains

For riders using mobility devices or needing to use the deployable ramp on the new S700 low-floor light rail vehicle son, please follow these steps:

  • Press the Button: When you approach the stopped train, press the blue button with the wheelchair icon located next to the door.
  • Wait for the Doors to Close: After pressing the button, the doors will first close. This is normal and allows the ramp to deploy safely.
  • Ramp Will Deploy: Once the doors are fully closed, the ramp will begin to deploy. Please wait for the ramp to extend. Once the ramp is fully deployed, the door will reopen for riders to board using the ramp. 

  • Exiting the Train: Once the doors are open and the ramp is fully deployed, please exit the train facing the doors, not backwards.  
How to Ride New Low-Floor Light Rail Trains 

For the visual audio description version, click here

When using the new low-floor light rail vehicles, all riders must board from the level platform instead of the mini-high ramps. Riders in mobility devices, walkers or visually impaired can board and exit the train using either one of the two middle doorways by accessing a deployable ramp. Riders press the “wheelchair accessible” button to deploy the ramp. Once the ramp has stopped moving, the doors will open. For visually impaired riders, tactile door indicator tiles will be available closest to the lead car on the station platform.

Riders not needing to use the deployable ramp, press the “door open” button at any of the active doorways either at the ends of the train or at the middle doors if the ramp is not being used.   

Inside the train, there are designated seating areas for seniors and persons with disabilities.  

When exiting the train, riders must press the “door open” button located on the door to open them. Riders needing to access the ramp would use the “wheelchair accessible” button to deploy the ramp to exit the train.  

Note: Customers boarding at Blue Line light rail stations using mobility devices or are unable to climb stairs, will continue to use the mini-high ramp leading to the front train car. Riders will wait at the top of the ramp until the train arrives and the operator deploys the boarding ramp.

Take a Virtual Tour of the New Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles  

Click the image below to take a 360-degree tour and explore the new train’s layout and features, including the priority seating areas, destination displays and the open layout.

  

About New Low-Floor Trains

The new low-floor vehicles provide easier access at every doorway, a spacious seating design, and large windows for better light and views.  The new low-floor vehicles  increase overall operational flexibility by providing more access to passengers with disabilities. 

The new low-floor light rail trains will only use a maximum of three new Siemens (S700) light rail vehicles, since there are several city blocks in downtown Sacramento that are not long enough to accommodate four of the S700 vehicles while meeting ADA requirements for the bridge plate to land 8” above the top of the street. 

S700  Bike Policy

Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for all passengers:

Bike Capacity:

  • Each s700 light rail vehicle can accommodate up to four bicycles.
  • Two bicycles can be placed in the front and two in the rear of the vehicle.

Bike Placement:

  • Place your bicycle in the lower level of the front or rear of the vehicle.
  • Look for the bicycle decals inside the light rail vehicle indicating the designated bike areas.
  • Restrain your bicycle with one hand.
  • Hold on to a secure pole or strap with the other hand to maintain stability and safety.

Seating and Accessibility:

  • Bicyclists are welcome to sit in the priority seating area near their bicycles.
  • Please be aware that you may be required to move if a person with a disability needs the priority seating.

Future Light Rail Vehicles and Blue Line Service  

Siemens Mobility will begin production on an additional eight trains later this year. Those trains are expected to be delivered to SacRT in late 2025. SacRT has also ordered an additional 17 vehicles from Siemens Mobility, which are expected to begin production in 2025. To date, SacRT has received funding for a total of 45 new low-floor light rail trains. SacRT is contracted with Siemens Mobility to order possibly up to 76 new vehicles. 

SacRT will begin construction on Blue Line station platforms to meet the height requirements of the new low-floor trains in late 2024 – construction is expected to be completed by 2027. Learn more at sacrt.com/modernization