Detroit's M-1 Rail Traveling Off-Wire with Liberty Modern Streetcars

DETROIT’S M-1 RAIL TRAVELING OFF-WIRE WITH BROOKVILLE’S LIBERTY MODERN STREETCARS
Posted: 09/29/15


DETROIT — Detroit-based M-1 RAIL and Brookville Equipment Corporation (BROOKVILLE) agreed to terms on Friday, June 5 for the supply of six off-wire capable Liberty Modern Streetcars for the 3.3-mile Woodward Avenue line, set for delivery to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016, with a contract valued at $32 million.

The M-1 RAIL Liberty Modern Streetcars will travel without the aid of an overhead catenary system (OCS) for 60 percent of the 3.3 mile corridor. While operating off-wire, the streetcars will instead draw power from the vehicles’ onboard energy storage systems (OESS), which utilize 750-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the M-1 RAIL streetcars will access the vehicle maintenance facility without the use of OCS via a one-tenth of a mile of additional track.

“Selection of BROOKVILLE provides M-1 RAIL with a company that has experience constructing streetcars that best meet this project’s technological requirements and timeline,” said Paul Childs, chief operating officer for M-1 RAIL, in a release issued by the organization on June 8. “We are pleased to reach agreement with BROOKVILLE, a streetcar manufacturer that specializes in the advanced off-wire technology that will make our system a leader in this technology.”

The M-1 RAIL Liberty Modern Streetcars will measure 66.5 feet-long and include over 70 percent low-floor area, with seating for up to 32 passengers and an average of up to 125 total passengers. Running on standard 56.5-inch track gauge, the vehicles will utilize BROOKVILLE’s industry proven soft-ride trucks and be powered by four 99kW AC traction motors while travelling at speeds of up to 35 mph. ............(more)

http://m-1rail.com/brookville/