Austin Transit Partnership Selected Light Rail Provider
The city has tapped Stadler to supply 21 vehicles for the future 10-mile light rail system.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Car Types
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Austin light rail riders will see 21 new vehicles under a 352 million USD contract finalized by the Austin Transit Partnership. These trains, which will serve 15 planned stations, are now in the preliminary design phase.
Why it matters
This move signals a key step forward for the long-planned light rail system designed to connect major portions of the city. Coordination between the project team and infrastructure developers aims to prevent costly redesigns before construction begins in 2027.
The Austin Transit Partnership has secured a 352 million USD contract for 21 light rail vehicles, each with a capacity of 240 passengers. The project currently remains in the preliminary design stage while construction for the 10-mile system is slated for 2027.
The players
Austin Transit Partnership
The local entity responsible for implementing the light rail transit expansion.
Stadler
The manufacturer selected to provide the fleet of 21 light rail vehicles.
STV
The firm serving as the vehicle project manager for the duration of the design phase.
The details
The vehicles will be based on Stadler’s CITYLINK platform, with STV providing project management over an 18-month duration. Project teams are currently integrating vehicle specifications with track, power, and signaling requirements to ensure compatibility across the system. The Austin Transit Partnership board officially approved this contract in July 2026.
Timeline
July 2026: ATP Board approved the contract with Stadler.
2027: Construction is targeted to begin on the light rail system.
The Texas Context
This vehicle procurement follows the long-term objectives outlined in the Project Connect transit plan for the Austin region. The move represents a tangible shift from planning to design for the city's future light rail network.
Commuters should prepare for initial construction activity on the 10-mile corridor beginning in 2027. This timeline marks the first major shift toward the implementation of the new rail fleet on Austin streets.
The takeaway
The city is moving into the design phase for its new rail fleet while gearing up for construction in 2027. Keep an eye on public meeting notices regarding the 15-station layout to understand how the new transit spine will interface with your neighborhood commute.
Further reading
For more updates on the city's transit infrastructure, visit Car Types.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railway-News.
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