The Austin Transit Partnership, the organization responsible for developing the new rail transit system in the capital of Texas, has selected Swiss manufacturer Stadler to deliver 21 Citylink light rail vehicles (LRVs). The contract could be worth up to USD 352 million.
Stadler received the highest score in the competitive bidding process organized by Austin Transit Partnership – ATP, based on an evaluation of the company’s experience, the team’s qualifications, the technical solution, and the proposed innovations.
The contract will cover the coordination of design, vehicle development, production, testing, and delivery of the 21 light rail vehicles.
ATP plans to begin construction of the system in 2027. Selecting the manufacturer early on allows for the infrastructure, stations, and future depot to be adapted to the vehicles’ specifications.
Contract worth up to USD 352 million
The ATP Board of Directors has authorized, in a first phase, work valued at USD 39 million, funded from existing revenues of the Proposition A program.
Subsequent phases will require additional approvals, and the total fixed value of the contract may not exceed USD 352 million.
This phased funding is also linked to the project’s efforts to secure federal financial support.
“We are thrilled that Stadler is joining the Austin Light Rail team to design a vehicle with features never before offered in the United States,” said Greg Canally, ATP’s executive director.
240 passengers per LRV
The vehicles will be developed based on the Citylink platform, the family of modular trains produced by Stadler for light rail and tram-train networks.
Each unit will be able to carry approximately 240 passengers, both seated and standing. The trains will have multiple doors to reduce boarding and alighting times, including during peak hours and at special events.
The floor will be level across most of the vehicle, with no steps in the interior aisle. Together with level platforms, this configuration will allow direct access for passengers with limited mobility.
There will be spaces compliant with U.S. accessibility standards, as well as multifunctional areas for bicycles, strollers, and luggage.
Large windows, higher ceilings, and fewer obstacles in the aisles are expected to create a brighter and more spacious interior.
Residents will be able to participate in choosing the design
The local community will be consulted on various aspects of the vehicles, such as the color scheme, seat configuration, accessibility features, and wayfinding and information systems.
“The Citylink platform sets a new benchmark for the next generation of light rail vehicles in the United States,” said Martin Ritter, head of Stadler’s North American division.
The Swiss manufacturer is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has already delivered rolling stock for several projects in the United States, including in Texas.
Austin’s First Light Rail Network
The first phase of the Austin Light Rail system will be nearly 16 km long and have 15 stations.
The electric trains are scheduled to run at intervals of five to ten minutes for most of the day.
The project was designed to allow for future expansion as Austin’s population and demand for transportation continue to grow.
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