I had the opportunity to be in Minneapolis, Minnesota just after the new Green Line light rail extension opened. This extends the light rail system from Minneapolis downtown at Target Field to the Union Depot Transit Center in Saint Paul. It is an eleven mile run, going right through the University of Minnesota campus and with a stop within spitting distance of the State of Minnesota Capitol.
The Siemens S-70 units always seem to run in three vehicle formation. Overhead catenary voltage is at 750 volts and the system uses standard gauge at 1435 mm.
The line is mostly on the street, in the middle, with a roughly 7 - 8 inches high concrete "barrier" on either side of the double track right of way. Speeds seem to be quite high and the service frequency is great.
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