Sep 2, 2026 - Transit

RTA's first new Rapid railcar arrives in Cleveland

Sam Allard

Blue electric train seen from the front in a rail yard, with tracks, a tall white antenna tower behind it, and a clear blue sky. — Photo: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.

RTA's first new Rapid Transit railcar in more than 40 years has arrived in Cleveland, kicking off a years-long process of replacing the transit agency's aging fleet.

Why it matters: RTA's existing Red, Blue and Green Line cars are roughly four decades old, with recent breakdowns underscoring the urgency of the $435 million replacement program.

Zoom in: The new Siemens S200 cars, assembled in Sacramento, feature 52 seats, four wheelchair spaces, two bike racks and ice-cutting technology designed for Cleveland winters.

What they're saying: "This arrival is more than just new equipment; it's a promise kept to our riders," RTA CEO India Birdsong Terry said in a statement.

What's next: Upon arrival, each new railcar will undergo months of testing, including 1,000 miles without a major issue.

The new trains are expected to enter Red Line service in summer 2027, followed by the Blue and Green lines in 2028.

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RTA's first new Rapid railcar arrives in Cleveland

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