Stadler to deliver eight FLIRT trains to Texas
Bussnang TG – Train manufacturer Stadler Rail has received a new contract from the United States. It will deliver eight trains of the FLIRT model to Texas, where it will also design a facility for equipment maintenance.
Stadler Rail was awarded the contract, which is valued at $119 million, by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). As part of the Cotton Belt Regional Rail Project, Stadler Rail will assemble and build eight diesel multiple unit trains, which are expected to go into passenger service by the end of 2022. According to a press release, Stadler will also design an equipment maintenance facility in Texas.
This is the fourth contract for the St.GallenBodenseeArea train manufacturer in Texas to date.
“After completing several projects in Texas already, Stadler is honored to now also supply DART with new state-of-the-art trains,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc. “We are proud that DART has chosen our FLIRT and know that we will be able to deliver a product that satisfies the customer to the highest degree.”
As Stadler explains, the new trains will be able to transport 240 seated passengers and 225 standing passengers and are “fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” In addition, they will be equipped with a CCTV system and an automatic passenger counting system.
John Rhone, Vice President at DART, praised Stadler’s focus on “technology innovation” as well as its “design promises to provide our customers with the safe and enjoyable ride they’ve come to expect from DART.”