Metro Transit in Minneapolis/St. Paul unveiled the first light rail vehicle (LRV) built for the Central Corridor Light Rail Line in ceremonies Oct. 10 at Target Field Station.

Pre-recorded steam engine whistles and “chug-a-chug-a” train sounds broadcast over the station’s speakers and public officials greeted No. 201 as the electric-powered LRV glided to a stop next to a recently repainted Hiawatha Line LRV also at the station. Both sported the new METRO logo identifying them as part of the color-coded system of light rail and bus rapid transit (BRT) lines: the Hiawatha Line will be rebranded as the Blue Line, while the Central Corridor line will be called the Green Line when it enters service in 2014.

The Green Line will provide improved access to five major centers of economic activity—downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, the Midway district, and the state Capitol complex—and many neighborhoods in between. Together, the five job centers house almost 280,000 jobs, a number that is expected to grow to 374,000 by 2030. 

Siemens, at its plant in Sacramento, CA, will build 47 new LRVs to operate on the Green Line and 12 new vehicles for the Hiawatha (Blue) Line, joining 27 LRVs now in service. The newest vehicles are scheduled for delivery through April 2014, peaking at four arrivals a month in 2013.

“Investing in a 21st-century transportation system is vital to boosting Minnesota’s economy and helping lift up our local communities,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) at the event. “This is an important step in the continued expansion of light rail service to better serve residents and businesses.”

Other speakers at the dedication program included Metropolitan Council Chair Susan Haigh, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, and Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb. They described the role of Metro Transit light rail in creating improved livability and region-wide accessibility.

“After a decade of collaboration and hard work, we are one step closer to opening the Central Corridor,” McCollom noted. “This [construction] project has already put over 4,000 people to work. When trains start running in two short years, Central Corridor will connect our communities, create even more good jobs, and generate new economic vitality throughout our region.”

Testing of the new LRVs on Central Corridor tracks will begin in late 2013. The outcome of the tests will determine the line’s opening date in 2014.

The first new LRV that will operate on Metro Transit's Central Corridor Light Rail Line--now renamed the Green Line--arrives at Target Field Station.