Another milestone has been reached in the implementation of the long-planned light rail system for the capital of the US state of Texas: Stadler Rail today announced that it has been awarded a contract for 21 three-car low-floor trams of its CITYLINK model, with an option for up to 19 further cars. A service and spare parts contract – the Technical Support and Spare Supply Agreement (TSSSA) – has also been agreed as an option.
Production is set to begin in 2027, and the trams are due to be deployed on the new system, which will comprise 16 km (10 miles) of track and 15 stations in its first phase. Future extensions are planned to include, amongst other things, a link to the international airport. We have previously reported on the project here:
https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/austin-light-rail-phase-1-offizielle-projektentwicklung-aufgenommen/
The new trams will be manufactured at the Stadler plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, and will therefore also comply with the strict ‘Buy American’ regulations. Technically, they are similar to the Citylink models, which are currently being produced in large numbers for various European operators, including those in Germany and Austria. They will accommodate up to 240 passengers, are ADA-compliant and feature flexible multi-purpose areas for bicycles, luggage and pushchairs. The final exterior design is yet to be finalised, and the people of Austin will be consulted through a survey as part of the process.
