The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in Southern California has unveiled the first light rail vehicle (LRV), a Siemens S700, for the Santa Ana OC Streetcar project. This marks the county’s first modern, electric streetcar and another zero-emission transit option for central Orange County.
The light rail vehicle, manufactured by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, is the first of eight that will be delivered for the OC Streetcar project. The 27.4-meter-long LRV for Santa Ana features a 70% low-floor design and has 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 LRV is equipped with an emergency battery drive, powered by lithium-ion batteries, allowing the vehicle to travel at least 300 feet (91 meters) under its own power in the event of a power disruption. The OC Streetcar will run on electricity from an overhead catenary system, producing zero emissions as it operates along the track.
The new vehicles will operate on 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 will connect with Metrolink rail service, regional and international bus services, and OCTA’s busiest local bus routes.
The USD 649 million project is funded through federal, state, and local sources, including Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements.
The track for the streetcar project is complete along the entire route, and overall, the project is approximately 92 per cent finished. Passenger service is expected to commence by spring 2026.