Streetcar Manufacturers See Boom Ahead in U.S.

At least 80 U.S. and Canadian cities have a streetcar system in the works or are considering it, says APTA. Julie Sneider at Progressive Railroading says transit manufacturers are seeing opportunity in those numbers.

1 minute read

September 13, 2011, 5:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Siemens, Bombardier and United Streetcar are just a few of the big companies courting the streetcar market:

"Bombardier is finalizing a common streetcar platform specifically for use in North America, says Jacques Drouin, the company's senior specialist in product management. The 100 percent low-floor design will be a key feature for the U.S. market, he says."

Sneider writes that "Alstom planners, too, are keeping a close eye on the North American market."

Snieder looks at some of the emerging technologies in this market, such as designs that don't require overhead wires.

FULL STORY: Streetcar builders see potential in North American market

Tuesday, August 30, 2011 in Progressive Railroading

Technology Transportation United States Streetcars Overhead Wires

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