Stadler and Austin Transit Partnership Sign Contract for Next-Generation Light Rail Vehicles

Stadler and Austin Transit Partnership Sign Contract for Next-Generation Light Rail Vehicles

(IN BRIEF) Stadler and Austin Transit Partnership have signed a contract for the design of 21 state-of-the-art light rail vehicles for Austin’s first light rail line, with options for 19 additional trains. The vehicles will be based on Stadler’s CITYLINK platform and assembled at the company’s Salt Lake City facility. Austin’s first light rail system will include 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile route, with all-electric trains running every five to ten minutes throughout most of the day. The vehicles will feature a 100% low-floor aisle design throughout the train, a first-of-its-kind configuration in the United States designed to improve accessibility. Each five-car train will carry around 240 passengers, include ADA-compliant zones and offer flexible areas for bikes, luggage and strollers. The project supports Austin’s long-term transit growth, including future expansion and a planned connection to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

(PRESS RELEASE) SALT LAKE CITY, 16-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Stadler and Austin Transit Partnership have announced a contract for the design of 21 next-generation light rail vehicles for Austin, Texas, with options for an additional 19 trains.

The agreement marks a major step in the development of Austin’s first light rail line, which will use all-electric trains operating every five to ten minutes throughout most of the day.

The planned system will include 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment and is being designed for future expansion as the city’s mobility needs continue to grow.

The new vehicles will be based on Stadler’s CITYLINK platform and will feature 100% low-floor aisles throughout the entire train. Stadler said this will be a first-of-its-kind design in the United States, removing the internal step-over typically required above powered wheelsets.

The result is intended to create a seamless and fully accessible passenger experience unlike any current light rail vehicle operating in the U.S. market.

The vehicles will be assembled at Stadler’s factory in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Austin project is Stadler’s fifth project in the state of Texas.

Greg Canally, Chief Executive Officer of Austin Transit Partnership, said ATP is pleased to welcome Stadler to the Austin Light Rail team.

“ATP is excited to have Stadler join the Austin Light Rail team to design a vehicle with features never before delivered in the United States,” said Canally.

He added that the contract demonstrates ATP’s commitment to building a light rail system suited to Austin as the project continues to advance.

The vehicles are designed to bridge the gap between urban streetcars and higher-performance rail systems. They will support easy access in Austin’s dense urban environment while offering mainline capabilities with speeds of up to 65 mph outside the city centre.

Each five-car train will have capacity for around 240 passengers and will include ADA-compliant zones for accessible travel.

The trains will also offer flexible multi-purpose spaces for bicycles, luggage and strollers, supporting a broad range of passenger needs.

The design process will include opportunities for the Austin community to provide input on elements such as vehicle colour schemes, seating configurations, accessibility features and wayfinding details to improve the customer experience.

Stadler will also play an active role in shaping both the vehicle and system design to ensure the trains integrate smoothly with Austin’s new light rail infrastructure. Construction of the system is expected to begin in 2027.

The first light rail line will connect key destinations across Austin and will form the initial phase of a system intended to expand over time, including a future connection to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The project also includes an option for a Technical Support and Spare Supply Agreement, which would mark Stadler’s fifth long-term service contract in the United States and its third service contract in Texas.

Stadler said the option reflects its commitment to lifecycle support and long-term local partnerships.

The award builds on Stadler’s growing presence in North America, including its UTA TRAX light rail vehicle contract awarded in 2024.

The company said the Austin contract places Stadler at the centre of a broader revival of U.S. transit investment, as cities modernise fleets and develop new light rail systems.

Demand is increasing for light rail vehicles that combine stronger performance, improved accessibility and operational flexibility.

Martin Ritter, Chief Executive Officer of Stadler Division North America, said Stadler’s CITYLINK platform is setting a new benchmark for the next generation of light rail vehicles in the United States.

“Together with Austin Transit Partnership, we are helping shape a new era of transit in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States,” said Ritter.

About Stadler

Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The provider of mobility solutions in rail vehicle construction, service and signalling technology has its headquarters in Bussnang in eastern Switzerland. Over 17,500 employees work at 8 production and 6 engineering sites and over 80 service locations, including around 6,000 in Switzerland. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of vehicles with alternative drive systems (hydrogen and battery) and rack railway vehicles. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products.

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Media Contact:

Stadler US Inc.
Charlotte Thalhammer
Head of Communication and Marketing
Telephone: +1 385 394 1921
Email: charlotte.thalhammer@stadlerrail.com
www.stadlerrail.com

SOURCE: Stadler