Modernization

New Low-Floor Light Rail Vehicles on the Gold Line

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

*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 in October, the new low-floor trains will operate on the Gold Line between Sacramento Valley Station and Historic Folsom Station.

SacRT is operating both low-floor and high-floor trains for the first few weeks as we complete the final testing phase of the new trains.

The Blue Line continues to operate our current high-floor light rail trains, which still require riders in mobility devices and those unable to climb stairs to use the mini-high ramps at the end of the station platforms.

Gold and Green Line Schedules

How to Ride New Low-Floor Light Rail Trains

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 will provide easier access at every doorway, a spacious seating design, and large windows for better light and views. They will feature improved accessibility with wider aisles and areas for bicycles. The new low-floor vehicles will 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:

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.