The Los Angeles subway system is set to receive a new generation of trains that will significantly improve the passenger experience in the coming years. Japanese rolling stock manufacturer Kinki Sharyo has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korean giant Hyundai Rotem to perform final assembly of 2026 subway trains for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) at its facility in Palmdale between 2030 and 91. The partnership is a key part of a massive deal that marks Hyundai Rotem’s largest order in the U.S. market.
In early 2024, Hyundai Rotem has signed a comprehensive contract with LACMTA to supply up to 232 next-generation subway cars for the Los Angeles subway system. The historic deal is the South Korean company’s largest order to date in the U.S. market. The two-car train sets, designed specifically for the city’s dense subway network, will feature Hyundai Rotem’s state-of-the-art HR5000 model. The trains will be customized to fully integrate with Los Angeles’ existing subway infrastructure and meet LACMTA’s high operational standards.
There is a remarkable division of labor in the implementation of this important project. Hyundai Rotem will undertake the production of the basic components of the trains and the initial assembly phase. Kinki Sharyo will come on board and perform the final integration processes, comprehensive testing and final certification processes at its facility in Palmdale. This strategic approach will contribute to the creation of new jobs in the state of California and ensure that the project meets local content requirements.
This strong partnership between Hyundai Rotem and Kinki Sharyo will not only ensure an efficient production process, but will also ensure that the new train sets will meet the highest safety, environmental and performance standards. Equipped with advanced technologies such as energy efficiency and modern control systems, the trains will bring a modern breath to the Los Angeles public transportation system.
This partnership comes at a time when foreign investors are increasingly interested in public transportation projects in the U.S., and is the result of significant government investment in infrastructure improvements. Such large-scale contracts stimulate local industry and create significant economic opportunities. Hyundai Rotem and Kinki Sharyo joining forces to deliver state-of-the-art, reliable and comfortable subway trains for Los Angeles is seen as a significant step that will significantly improve the passenger experience and strengthen public confidence in urban transportation systems. This project will also make a valuable contribution to efforts to modernize and improve U.S. transportation infrastructure.
