Stadler METRO Trains For Atlanta

On 29 March 2019 the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) announced its decision to award Stadler the contract for 127 two-car Type METRO trains with two options of 25 additional trains each. For Stadler this is the first large METRO contract in the USA and the largest ever order of EMUs in the company’s history. The contract is valued at over 600 million USD.

The new Class CQ400 trains are intended for service to the world’s largest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 45.7 m long the units have a maximum speed of 113 km/h (70 mph) and are powered with 750 V DC by a third rail. Each train offers 128 seats, as well as a generous standing area. Up to four two-car units are able to run in multiple.

According to the contract, the first METRO trains are to be placed in service starting in 2023. Stadler plans to assemble the vehicles at its new plant in Salt Lake City, the company being obligated to create at least 60 % of the project’s value in the United States.