New Sounder cars built by Alstom are now carrying passengers on Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter rail network in the Seattle metropolitan area, adding 11 new bi-level vehicles to the system.

New Sounder cars built by Alstom for Sound Transit
New Sounder cars built by Alstom for Sound Transit. Photo: Alstom / Copyright ALSTOM SA 2026

New Sounder cars enter service for Sound Transit

The fleet consists of three passenger cab cars and eight coaches. Sound Transit is introducing the cars into service⁠ this month as Seattle prepares for major sporting events during the summer. The vehicles were produced at Alstom’s manufacturing site in Plattsburgh, New York.

Alstom said the additional Sounder commuter rail cars are intended to increase capacity while improving the passenger environment and onboard safety features.

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, said:

“This summer, big sporting events provide big opportunities for North American cities, and these cities are counting on transit to meet the moment,”

“Sound Transit has made significant investments to ensure that the Puget Sound region is ready to deliver, and we’re proud to play a small part with these brand-new Sounder cars. These new cars add capacity, enhance safety and comfort, and help deliver the dependable, high-quality service that communities across the region are counting on. We value our collaboration with Sound Transit and remain committed to providing solutions that help expand access to opportunity, improve the rider experience, and keep people moving efficiently around Seattle and across North America.”

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Passenger amenities and Crash Energy Management

The bi-level rail cars include USB and power connections at every seat, additional theatre-style seating, more legroom in selected seats and a redesigned bicycle rack. They are also equipped with Crash Energy Management technology⁠, which helps absorb energy during a collision. The system includes energy absorption zones at both ends of each car, along with energy-absorbing couplers between cars.

The cab cars also have a full-width windshield, which is intended to give operators better visibility.

Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine said:

“Safety and the passenger experience are part of Sound Transit’s DNA. These new cars embody both values, and we are pleased to bring them into service,”

“From creature comforts to improved visibility and performance, the new cars represent a real upgrade for our Sounder riders.”

What changes for passengers?

For passengers, the official context is capacity on existing Sounder service. Sound Transit says the 11-car order was approved in 2020 and manufactured under a $46.5 million contract, with the rollout timed for summer soccer and baseball crowds. The first cars entered service on the S Line, which links Lakewood or Tacoma with Seattle, while Sounder also operates special-event trains for major weekend attractions. In Sound Transit’s broader plans, Sounder South capacity work includes extending S-Line trains from seven to 10 cars to serve up to 40 percent more passengers.

Alstom’s commuter train portfolio

Alstom presents its Adessia commuter train range⁠ as a core part of urban and suburban mobility. The product family includes high-floor multiple units and coaches in single-deck and double-deck versions, designed for electrified and non-electrified networks and for operating speeds between 120 and 200 km/h.

The company says it has more than 60 years of experience in commuter train manufacturing. More than 45,000 rail cars have been sold for over 60 commuter systems in more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Australia. According to Alstom, Adessia commuter trains carry more than 20 million passengers each day.

Alstom rail services in the United States

In the United States, Alstom describes itself as a leading provider of rolling stock and rail services. The company says it has delivered more than 12,000 new or refurbished vehicles to rail agencies and airports across the country, including customers in New York City, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco and New Jersey.

Alstom also says it built the first high-speed trains made in America and is the country’s leading private rail operator, serving more than 15 rail and airport customers and carrying millions of passengers daily.

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