Stadler Rail FLIRT
The Stadler Rail FLIRT is a single level, low platform diesel or electric multiple unit (DMU or EMU). FLIRT is a German acronym for Flinker Leichter Innovativer Regional Triebzug which translates to Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. Like the Stadler Rail KISS, the FLIRT uses an aluminum vehicle body which has reduced weight and allowed for improved energy efficiency. Trains can be composed of two to six cars. The FLIRT has a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.
The FLIRT was developed for Swiss Federal Railways in 2002. The order for 42 four-car EMUs began delivery in 2004.
TEXRail
In June 2015, Stadler was awarded a contract to provide eight FLIRT diesel-electric trainsets for the TEXRail commuter railway in Fort Worth, Texas. Each set is composed of five cars with the middle car containing two Deutz TCD 16.0 V8 520 kW diesel engines that comply with the EPA Tier 4 Final emission standards. The fully accessible trains can seat 224 passengers and provide them with side tables and USB ports.[1]
The FLIRT meets the alternative vehicle technology requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Because the project is federally funded, the order is subject to Buy America requirements. Stadler opened a manufacturing facility in Utah that will complete the cars. The body shells and bogies will be manufactured in Switzerland.[2]
In August 2017, Stadler announced that they have completed the first FLIRT DMU. It was put on display at the 2017 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. The trains were to enter service on the TEXRail line at the end of 2018. Service eventually commenced on January 10, 2019.
OC Transpo Trillium Line
The City of Ottawa approved an extension of the Trillium Line from Greenboro Station to just west of Limebank Road, as well as a section to the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Two new stations will also be added along the existing line with one at Gladstone and one at Walkley. Existing stations will also have their platforms lengthened to accommodate longer trains. TransitNEXT, a subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin, was selected as the preferred proponent to build the extension.
Stadler was awarded the contract to supply seven four-car trains for the Trillium Line expansion. The diesel-electric multiple units will have four 480 kW diesel engines meeting Tier 4 emissions standards and will be able to travel up to 120 km/h. The trains will be built in Bussnang, Switzerland. Delivery is expected in mid-2021.[3]
Operators
Canada 
- OC Transpo - Ottawa, ON (On order)
United States 
- Trinity Metro (TEXRail) - Fort Worth, Taxes
- Redlands Passenger Rail|Arrow - San Bernardino County, California (On order)
References
- ↑ Stadler and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority unveil the first U.S. FLIRT train. Press release. 09 October 2017.
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ "Stadler awarded Ottawa DMU contract". 23 April 2019. Railway Gazette.