OC Streetcar will begin operating in Orange County by spring 2026, linking Santa Ana and Garden Grove through a modern 7-kilometer light rail line with 10 stops. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

OC Streetcar will begin operating in Orange County by spring 2026, linking Santa Ana and Garden Grove through a modern 7-kilometer light rail line with 10 stops
Photo: OCTA

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) introduced its first Siemens S700 vehicle in May 2025. The low-floor streetcar will serve the new OC Streetcar line, improving local transit access.

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Siemens will deliver eight vehicles under a $51.5 million contract signed in 2018. The agreement includes spare parts and an option for 10 additional units.

Each 27.4-meter, three-section vehicle accommodates 211 passengers, including 62 seated. The layout includes space for bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs, ensuring a more inclusive ride.

With four double doors per side and automatic ramps, boarding is fast and accessible. These streetcars reach up to 70 km/h and include lithium-ion batteries to cover 90 meters during power failures.

OC Streetcar Vehicles Built in Sacramento by Siemens

All OC Streetcar units are being assembled at Siemens Mobility’s facility in Sacramento, California. The contract strengthens local manufacturing and transit infrastructure investment.

These advanced vehicles are designed for urban service and sustainable operation. Onboard batteries provide resilience during short-term power loss, boosting reliability.

OC Streetcar Line Construction Nears Completion

Construction of the double-track alignment started in November 2018 and is now 92% complete. Walsh Construction leads the $649 million project.

The line’s eastern terminus in Santa Ana will connect to Metrolink. Travel time across the route will take 22 minutes with frequencies of 10–15 minutes.

Daily ridership could reach 7,300 passengers. Initial plans aimed for a 2021 launch, but delays pushed the opening to 2026. Trial runs will begin shortly.

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