Sound Transit Eyes Double-Length Light Rail Vehicles for Next Major Purchase
Sound Transit is advancing potential designs for its next major set of light rail vehicle (LRV) purchases, train cars that will enter service in the early 2030s. After taking criticism for choosing vehicle designs in the past that have prioritized interchangeability over passenger capacity, these new LRVs are expected to be double-length train cars that would increase that capacity by 5-13% in order to better handle expected increases in ridership.
A briefing Thursday to the Sound Transit Board’s rider experience committee detailed the agency’s progress toward developing concept designs for the Series 3 vehicles, which will allow the agency to deliver the service promised to voters as part of the 2016 Sound Transit 3 (ST3) package. While most of the ST3 light rail projects remain mired in planning and budget battles now, the new train cars will remain an integral part of any future system expansion plans. Sound Transit faces a projected 20-25% funding gap over the next two decades as infrastructure costs skyrocket and expected revenues decline.
Purchasing 190-foot cars is expected to reduce direct capital costs by around 10% thanks to fewer operator cabins to build, and also translate to decreased maintenance costs over the long-term. The new design is also expected to translate to an improved passenger experience. Expanded capacity will be paired with the ability to move more easily within train cars to relieve overcrowding.
Additionally, the new cars are likely to include upgraded amenity areas including bike storage spaces, though those details are set to be negotiated with a final manufacturer, once one is selected. Other details, including seating layout and passenger information screens, remain to be determined.
https://www.theurbanist.org/2025/09/05/sound-transit-eyes-double-length-light-rail-vehicles-for-next-major-purchase/