The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), in Southern California, has unveiled the first LRT for Santa Ana (Siemens S700 light rail vehicle), county’s first modern, electric streetcar and another important zero-emission transit option for central Orange County.
The light rail vehicle, manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, is the first of eight to be delivered for the OC Streetcar project. Attendees at the event, held at the streetcar’s base in Santa Ana, were invited to walk through the vehicle and learn about its design and features from OCTA staff.
“The arrival of the first OC Streetcar vehicle is an exciting moment for Orange County and a clear sign of the strong progress we’re making toward getting the system running. We’re looking forward to beginning testing and ultimately launching a safe, reliable transit option that will better connect people to where they live, work and spend time,” OCTA Chairman, Doug Chaffee, also the county’s Fourth District Supervisor, said.
The features of the 27.4-metre-long 70% low-floor LRT for Santa Ana is designed with a capacity of up to 211 passengers, including 62 seated and 149 standing, providing increased accessibility and comfort. The articulated three-section light rail vehicle meets all ADA requirements and includes hydraulic level boarding to improve access for passengers using mobility devices, strollers and bicycles.
The LRT is equipped with emergency battery drive, powered by lithium-ion batteries, allowing the vehicle to move at least 300 feet (91 metres) under its own power in the event of power disruption.
The vehicle’s maximum operating speed is 44 mph (70.8 km/h), which will be reached along the former Pacific Electric right of way. Street-running segments will operate at or below the speed limit to ensure safe and predictable travel while operating alongside other cars, cyclists and pedestrians. The OC Streetcar will run on electricity from an overhead catenary system, producing zero emissions as it runs along the track.
The new vehicles will operate the OC Streetcar, a 6.7 km line that will connect to existing rail and bus routes in Orange County and beyond, including the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Centre. It will serve some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the county, Downtown Santa Ana and the Civic Centre, and connect with Metrolink rail service, regional and international bus services and OCTA’s busiest local bus routes.
Up to six vehicles will be in service daily, with two spares rotating in as needed, and stops will occur every 10 to 15 minutes at 10 stations in each direction.
The USD 649 million project is funded with federal, state and local dollars, including Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transport improvements.
The track for the streetcar project is finished along the entire route and, overall, the project is approximately 92% finished. Testing of the OC Streetcar vehicles is set to begin in coming weeks in the Pacific Electric right of way, then later in the year move to city streets. Following months of testing, the public operations are slated to begin in spring 2026.
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