Sacramento Regional Transit introduced new light rail trains on Sept. 1 with more accessibility features for people with disabilities.
The most recognizable change has been lowering the entrance to the train as well as adding passenger-controlled ramps, allowing wheelchair users to enter and exit without requiring assistance.
“Our old high-floor trains meant if you can’t step up those steps, you need to board at the first car where the operator has to deploy the ramp for you,” said Jessica Gonzalez, a spokesperson for SacRT. “With these new trains, either of the two center doors have a button for a self-deployable ramp. So, it gives people back that freedom.”
Along with the added accessibility features, the trains also have more spacious interiors as well as designated bike areas.
Gonzalez said the new trains will help SacRT cut down on maintenance time and improve reliability.
“The technology is a game changer for us. With our current 35-year-old trains, they don’t even make parts for them anymore,” Gonzalez said. “With these new trains, the technology actually pinpoints what’s the problem and lets us clear the error and keep going.”
The new low-floor light rails began running on the gold line beginning Sept. 1, and the green line on Sept. 3. Gonzalez said SacRT is planning to have the new trains on the blue line, the route that runs through campus, by 2027. She said the company is hoping to eventually lock in funding for 76 updated light rail trains, 31 more than they currently have secured.
While SacRT promises big improvements with their new trains, some riders say they haven’t felt the effects just yet.
Henry Rogers, an 18-year-old undecided major, said he began riding the light rail around two months ago and has had issues with reliability.
“I would be riding it more if it wasn’t so inconsistent,” Rogers said. “The other day I took it with some family and the train was an hour late. It was 100 degree weather in direct sunlight, so not a great time.”
Other students said they haven’t experienced many hiccups in their riding experience.
“I’ve been using it pretty much all of September and it’s been really reliable. Just like three minute stops, it’s nice and simple,” said Jordan Pich, an 18-year-old computer science major at Sacramento City College. “It’s just a nice staple of transportation, much more reliable than buses.”
Cosumnes River College students are eligible for a universal transit pass for SacRT during their enrollment at the school, giving them unlimited rides on RT’s buses and light rail trains. All students are charged a UTP fee as part of their tuition. UTP passes can be accessed through CRC’s website.