Post by joshuanickel on Jul 25, 2013 16:23:33 GMT -8
The Metro Board today approved the purchase of 69 new light rail cars to replace the old Nippon Sharyo cars. They will start delivery once the base order for Expo/Foothill is completed in FY 2017. Here is the news release:
The Board voted to approve two options to a contract with Kinkisharyo International for 97 new light rail vehicles to be used on the Crenshaw/LAX Line and to replace older vehicles in Metro’s rail car fleet. The cost of the options is $396,650,000.
The initial contract — including an order for 78 light rail vehicles — with Kinkisharyo was approved by the Board in April 2012.
As a result of its contract with Metro, Kinkisharyo is moving their U.S. headquarters from Boston to El Segundo. Kinkisharyo will also be assembling the light rail vehicles in Palmdale, which is expected to create about 250 full-time jobs. according to Metro.