The Bi-State Board of Commissioners approved up to a $390 million contract with Siemens Mobility for up to 55 new, high-floor light rail vehicles and parts for the St. Louis region at its Nov. 29 Board meeting.
Bi-State Development intends to procure up to 55 new high-floor light rail vehicles, capable of servicing the existing high platforms, for use on all parts of the Bi-State Development system over multi-years. The solicitation for the cars was issued on September 1, 2022 and advertised in BSD’s iSupplier Portal, the Agency’s web-based communication tool, structured to allow interested bidders/proposers open access to view, communicate, and submit bids/proposals on active solicitations.
The proposed LRV currently operates in demanding climate conditions in North America and is well suited to the unique and demanding conditions of the St. Louis region. The proposed LRV would operate seamlessly in the existing alignment and facility infrastructure.
In August, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced more than $223 million in funding for Metro Transit to replace aging light rail cars and repair damage from flooding. $27 million will be used to help repair damage sustained during last summer’s historic flooding. The additional $196.3 million in FTA funding plus local match will fund the new light rail cars. LRV vehicles have a lifespan of about 25 years. Metro Transit is operating about 30 cars which have been in service for 30 years.