Alstom is working with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) to deliver 130 new Citadis streetcars, replacing the ageing fleet in Philadelphia.
The project began in May 2023 and has completed two of three major design reviews. It is now set to enter the final design phase later this year, with the review planned for autumn 2025, after which production will begin at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York.
The new vehicles will be fully accessible, featuring low floors for easier boarding, designated spaces for wheelchairs and bikes, and modern passenger information systems.
The design also includes references to Philadelphia’s history, with elements inspired by the Liberty Bell.
These vehicles will replace the 40-year-old Kawasaki cars from the 1980s, which currently operate in the city.
Alstom’s Project Director Mariana Duarte said:The streetcars for SEPTA are part of our Citadis for USA portfolio, which is adapting the European light rail to American technical standards. In that respect, the SEPTA project is paving the way for other light rail projects in North America.
A mock-up of the vehicle cab was delivered to Philadelphia in March 2025. A half-car model will be presented to the public once the design is finalised. Discussions are underway to display this prototype during the city’s 2026 events, which include the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and several FIFA World Cup matches.
The streetcar project is part of SEPTA’s wider effort to modernise the network, which includes infrastructure upgrades and new maintenance facilities. Most parts for the vehicles will be sourced from within the United States to meet federal manufacturing requirements. The majority of supplier contracts have already been signed.
