TriMet’s new MAX Orange Line was officially inaugurated on the 14th of September. The Orange Line is a light rail project between Portland and Milwaukie (USA). Siemens advanced rail systems including their S70 light rail vehicles, are being used on the line. Siemens also provided the rail signalling and communications to help manage the train operation along the line. The line is powered by the first Sitras SES energy storage unit in the U.S. that uses regenerative braking.
Siemens Advanced Rail Systems
The MAX Orange Line is around 12km long and is the region’s sixth construction project to develop the Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) to cope with the expected growth in population.
“Siemens is proud to be a technology partner for Trimet for more than 30 years, starting in the this project is a perfect example of how advanced rail technologies can help to revitalize city centers, creating jobs and stimulating economic development”, said Jochen Eickholt, CEO Siemens Mobility Division.
Newly redesigned light rail vehicles have been built, at Siemens Sacremento, California, with the input of the TriMet passengers. The ideas used from the public included new seating arrangements, additional wheelchair accessibility, larger windows and improved HVAC systems which will adapt based on the number of people in the vehicle. Maintenance enhancements were based on TriMet’s feedback which included rearrangement of systems to increase accessibility to key areas of the vehicle and improved diagnostic systems.
