Saft, the world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech industrial batteries, has supplied onboard battery systems based on its specialized MATRICS MRX railway batteries for 55 light rail vehicles currently being upgraded for the Port Authority of Allegheny County light rail system in Pennsylvania, US.

The Port Authority, owner and operator of the light rail system (commonly known as the ‘T’), is the first US transit authority to specify Saft MRX rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries for a battery replacement programme.

The reasons for the switch are to achieve a major increase in battery capacity, without needing to modify the existing battery box, as well as higher performance, longer life and reduced maintenance.