St. Louis Metro partners with Siemens for LRV upgrade

The Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District (St. Louis Metro) has begun the process of upgrading its current fleet of light-rail vehicles (LRVs) with the next generation of MetroLink through a partnership with Siemens. 

Fifty-five brand-new, state-of-the-art LRVs are in the design phase in California right now to replace the current MetroLink fleet. The first deliveries of the new LRVs are expected to arrive in 2027 and are set to be manufactured in Siemens’ Sacramento, Calif., facility.

The agency says these LRVs will bring upgrades in technology, safety, comfort and rider experience. From advanced operator systems to modern amenities, St. Louis Metro says the fleet renewal is a milestone moment for the agency and for the riders who rely on MetroLink service every day. 

The new LRVs will allow for the replacement of current MetroLink LRVs that have been in operation since the 1990s, with some LRVs that have been in service since MetroLink first opened in 1993.

St. Louis Metro was awarded a $196.2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration in 2023 for the replacement of aging MetroLink LRVs.