Austin’s first light rail system recently reached a major program milestone with the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) Board approving the Light Rail Vehicle manufacturer for Austin Light Rail. The action includes procurement of light rail vehicles and associated support equipment and represents an important step in advancing the transformative transit investment.
As part of the delivery partner team, STV serves as the vehicle project manager for ATP, assisting with the procurement of the future fleet and coordinating integration between the vehicles and key elements of the system, including track, station, power, signaling and maintenance facility design. The firm also supports program management and other key delivery activities across the broader initiative.
“This milestone brings Austin closer to delivering a modern light rail system that will reshape how people move,” said Matthew Bertrand, PE, PMP, senior engineer at STV and light rail vehicle director for the ATP team. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to help advance a program that will expand mobility, strengthen connectivity and support Austin’s continued growth for generations to come.”
Austin Light Rail is an all-electric train system that will include 15 stations across roughly 10 miles, connecting major employment centers, educational institutions and highly visited Austin destinations. It will bring a new, frequent transportation option to one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
ATP selected Stadler as the preferred vehicle manufacturer following a competitive procurement process that evaluated experience, technical approach and design innovation. The approval allows ATP to begin preliminary design and coordination activities, bringing the vehicle supplier into the program as development of the broader light rail system continues.
Over the past 18 months, STV has played a central role in advancing the procurement process, supporting the development of procurement documents, proposal evaluations, manufacturer site visits and stakeholder coordination. Working closely with ATP, the vehicle manufacturer and project design teams, STV is aligning vehicle requirements with track design, traction power systems, signaling infrastructure, station platforms and maintenance facility planning. This early coordination helps establish critical interface requirements, reduce the potential for redesign and support seamless operations during future implementation.
The future fleet is being designed to deliver a more accessible, comfortable and efficient passenger experience. Features under consideration include level boarding for improved accessibility, spacious interiors with clear sightlines, multiple doors to enable faster passenger flow and flexible areas to accommodate bicycles, luggage and strollers. Each vehicle is expected to carry approximately 240 passengers, helping the system meet growing transportation demand across the region. The community will have the opportunity to provide input on various design elements of the vehicles.
The vehicle procurement package represents one of the final major contract awards needed to establish the system’s foundational elements. Earlier this year, ATP selected progressive design-build contractors for both the light rail system and the Operations and Maintenance Facility, further advancing the program toward construction and delivery of Austin’s first light rail system.
