The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has awarded Stadler US Inc. a contract worth up to $352 million to supply the first fleet of vehicles for the Austin Light Rail project. The procurement covers the design, manufacture, testing, and delivery of 21 light rail vehicles and marks one of the final major contracts before construction begins.
ATP’s board approved an initial $39 million work authorization to support preliminary design coordination and early project activities. The remaining contract value will be authorized through future board approvals as the project advances through the federal funding process. Existing Proposition A revenues will fund the initial work.
The fleet will use Stadler’s low-floor CITYLINK platform, which provides level boarding, step-free interiors, ADA-accessible areas, and flexible spaces for bicycles, luggage, and strollers. Each vehicle will accommodate approximately 240 passengers.
ATP selected Stadler following a competitive procurement process that evaluated technical capabilities, project experience, personnel qualifications, and design approach. Early coordination between the vehicle manufacturer and the project’s engineering teams is expected to support system integration and reduce delivery risks.
Austin Light Rail will include 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile corridor served by all-electric trains operating every five to ten minutes. ATP plans to begin construction in 2027, with passenger service expected to launch in 2033.