AUSTIN, Texas — Austin is one step closer to launching its Project Connect light rail system after the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) approved a contract Wednesday with Stadler to supply 21 trains for the new line.
The light rail will run from 38th Street to Oltorf Street before splitting into two branches serving South and Southeast Austin.
ATP officials said Stadler was selected based on its modern, rider-focused design and ease of accessibility. Each train will accommodate about 240 passengers and feature ADA-compliant areas, along with flexible spaces for bicycles, luggage and strollers.
Stadler, which has supplied about 13,000 rail vehicles worldwide since 1942, also manufactures CapMetro’s current Red Line trains.
The initial contract is valued at $39 million.
The approval follows recent ATP contracts for construction of the rail line and its operations and maintenance facility. Officials expect to break ground on the Project Connect light rail next year.