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Sacramento’s new accessibility-focused light rail is ‘a game-changer.’ When it will run

New accessibility-focused light rail trains are coming to Sacramento.

Sacramento Regional Transit announced that its new low-floor light rail vehicles will go into service starting next month. The trains will operate on the Gold and Green lines.

In June, Sacramento Regional Transit hosted a sneak peek of the new light rail cars, that were described as a “game-changer” for disabled commuters.

“This is really a game-changer for mobility in the Sacramento region,” Jessica Gonzalez, Sacramento Regional Transit spokesperson, told The Sacramento Bee. The new trains allow for accessibility, as passengers can board at station level and can use buttons to deploy ramps.

“Anyone with a mobility device can use two of the center doors, where a deployable ramp will come out of the door, and they can roll or walk or scoot onto the train,” Gonzalez said.

One of Sacramento Regional Transit’s new S700 low-floor light rail train awaits riders at the Township 9 station in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
One of Sacramento Regional Transit’s new S700 low-floor light rail train awaits riders at the Township 9 station in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Bailey Stover bstover@sacbee.com

Where and when do the new trains run?

According to Sacramento Regional Transit, the new trains will run on the Gold Line starting Sunday, Sept. 1.

It will operate between Sacramento Valley Station and Iron Point Station.

New vehicles will also service the Green Line starting Monday, Sept. 2.

SacRT hosting a debut event

The agency will present the new trains at a free community event on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Township 9 Station by Seventh and Richards, you can tour the new trains and enjoy live entertainment and refreshments.

Members of the disability community and the general public tour Sacramento Regional Transit’s new S700 low-floor light rail train at the Township 9 station in Sacramento in June. Once station modifications are completed this summer, the new trains will begin service on the Green and Gold lines. Construction on Blue Line platforms is set to begin in the fall.
Members of the disability community and the general public tour Sacramento Regional Transit’s new S700 low-floor light rail train at the Township 9 station in Sacramento in June. Once station modifications are completed this summer, the new trains will begin service on the Green and Gold lines. Construction on Blue Line platforms is set to begin in the fall. Bailey Stover The Sacramento Bee

What’s inside the new low-floor trains?

According to Sacramento Regional Transit, the new vehicles will provide easier access at doorways, spacious seating and large windows.

The aisles are also wider for accessibility, and there are areas for bicycles.

This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 9:53 AM.

HT
Hanh Truong
The Sacramento Bee
Hanh Truong was a reporter for The Sacramento Bee.
BS
Bailey Stover
The Sacramento Bee
Bailey Stover was a 2024 visual reporting intern for the Sacramento Bee.
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