Alstom and Sound Transit celebrate new Sounder cars entering revenue service
Alstom and Sound Transit celebrate new Sounder cars entering revenue service
The 11 new Sounder cars will help expanding capacity ahead of major sporting events in Seattle this summer (Copyright ALSTOM SA 2026)
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Alstom manufactured the eleven new bi-level rail cars that recently entered service for Sound Transit’s Sounder system, that serves the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington.
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The new rail cars include upgraded passenger amenities and safety features.
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The rail cars were manufactured by Alstom in Plattsburgh, NY.
24 June 2026 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has announced that Sound Transit is rolling out new Sounder commuter rail cars into service this month. This includes 11 cars, three passenger cab cars and eight coaches, expanding capacity ahead of major sporting events in Seattle this summer. The new cars were built at Alstom’s manufacturing facility in Plattsburgh, NY.
“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. "
The new vehicles offer upgraded passenger amenities, including USB and power outlets at every seat, more theatre-style seating, extra legroom in select seats, and a redesigned bike rack. They also feature the latest safety technology, Crash Energy Management (CEM), which helps absorb energy in the event of a collision. Key elements include energy absorption zones at each end of the car and couplers that absorb energy between cars. The cab cars also include a full-width windshield to improve operator sightlines.
“This summer, big sporting events provide big opportunities for North American cities, and these cities are counting on transit to meet the moment,” said Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas. “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.”
“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,” said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “From creature comforts to improved visibility and performance, the new cars represent a real upgrade for our Sounder riders.”
The leading manufacturer of commuter trains
The backbone of urban life, Adessia commuter trains are one of the most sustainable means to travel across cities and suburbs. The wide range of high-floor multiple units and coaches is available as single- or double-deck configurations, suitable for all climatic conditions between 120-200 km/h on electrified as well as non-electrified networks. As the leading manufacturer of commuter trains with over 60 years of experience, Alstom is committed to enhance sustainable operations and passenger experience even further. The strong presence of more than 45,000 rail cars sold in over 60 commuter systems in over 15 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas and Australia enables over 20 million passengers comfortable, safe and reliable travels on Adessia commuter trains, every day.
Alstom is the leading provider of rolling stock and rail services in the U.S., having delivered more than 12,000 new or refurbished vehicles to rail agencies and airports nationwide, including in New York City, Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, San Francisco, and New Jersey. It also built the first high-speed trains made in America and is the country’s leading private rail operator, carrying millions of passengers each day for more than 15 rail and airport customers.
ALSTOM™ and Adessia™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.
