Siemens has been selected to provide the power infrastructure for Seattle’s latest expansion — the Northgate and East Link lines — of the Seattle Sound Transit light rail system. Siemens will supply 13 traction power substations (TPSS), two medium voltage substations (MVSS), and one cross passage tunnel tie station on the Northgate and East Link — and fully integrate these additions into the existing infrastructure. It will also upgrade one existing substation supplied by Siemens in 2008.
The Northgate (4.3 miles) and East Link (14 miles) lines and are set to open in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Passengers in Bellevue and Northgate will benefit from an easier and less congested commute as these new traction power stations enhance the efficiency and operation of the regional transit system. Siemens’ proven expertise in engineering expansions and upgrades will ensure seamless integration into the existing rail system which carried 43 million passengers in 2016.
“Siemens is proud of its role in helping Seattle manage its population and ridership growth through better and more reliable public transportation,” stated Andreas Thon, vice president of turnkey and rail electrification, North America. “Seattle fully appreciates the sustainability and operational benefits of having a strong traction power and electrification infrastructure and this is one reason why it is consistently considered one of the most sustainable cities in the world.”
The new project extends Siemens existing technology partnership with Sound Transit, having previously provided the same TPSS and MVSS substation infrastructure on the University Link and South Link lines. Siemens was also chosen by the transit agency to deliver a total of 152 new light rail vehicles for the Sound Transit system, built out of the company’s Sacramento, CA manufacturing hub.
In addition to the light rail infrastructure investments, Seattle utilizes Siemens software that intelligently syncs and manages the city’s traffic system.
