January 10, 2020 - TRA Newswire -

As part of Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) new Cotton Belt Regional Silver Line,  the transit agency awarded Stadler US Inc. a maintenance contract to maintain both the FLIRT vehicles it will be supplying and the DART Equipment Maintenance Facility (EMF) for a 15-year service period. This is in addition to the contract previously awarded in June 2019, to build the FLIRT vehicles and design the EMF facility.

The DART Board of Directors approved the $112 million dollar contract to Stadler, which includes vehicle maintenance over a 15-year service period of the previously awarded eight DMU FLIRT vehicles, as well as EMF maintenance services, and two options to modify the vehicles to add luggage racks, bicycle stands, and wheel skirts. With the maintenance contract for these vehicles and the EMF, Stadler enters the maintenance services sector in the US for the first time.

The Silver Line, scheduled to open in 2022, will provide service across Plano, Richardson, North Dallas, Addison, Carrollton and Coppell, terminating at DFW International Airport where it will meet TEXRail trains from Fort Worth at Terminal B. The Silver Line will connect with the DART Green Line at the downtown Carrollton station and Red and Orange Lines at the Bush Turnpike station in Richardson.

This is the last piece of an overall package to provide turnkey vehicles and maintenance services to DART.  DART included the vehicles, the design of the EMF in Irving, TX and now maintenance services together in one contract to provide the most value.

"Stadler has been a trusted partner and advisor as we develop the future 26-mile DART Silver Line project", said Tim McKay, DART EVP, Growth/ Regional Development. "Stadler and DART share a focus on innovation and quality that ensures our customers will have a safe and dependable ride."

Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US, said, "This is an important step for the future of Stadler in the US. Not only are we looking forward to continuing this partnership with DART, but we are also confident that we can provide cutting-edge technology, paired with excellent service to DART’s customers together."

Jürg Gygax, Executive Vice President Division Service, said, "Stadler is looking forward to this 15-year partnership with DART and will ensure the highest availability from day 1. For the Stadler maintenance division this is a very important milestone, to win this contract in the United States. We see this as an excellent base for future growth in the US."