Assembly

The Capital MetroRail trains are being manufactured in Switzerland by Stadler Bussnang AG.

Each vehicle will be self-propelled by two diesel electric engines and will be able to start and stop faster than traditional commuter rail vehicles.

The trains have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing, as well as spaces for passengers with wheelchairs (fully ADA com-pliant) and bicycles.

Each train will feature luggage racks, high back seats, low floor entry for easy access, and WiFi.

The rail car communications system includes visual and acoustic passenger information, a video recording system and a wireless LAN infrastructure.

After assembly of the first two rail vehicles, Stadler conducted static and track testing. Capital MetroRail trains will exceed both U.S. and European safety standards.

Shipping

The entire journey from Switzerland to Austin took about 5 weeks. Each train was shipped in three parts. The trains were trucked from Switzerland to the German port of Bremerhaven.

Once the ship carrying the trains reached the Port of Galveston, trucks transported the trains to Austin.

Arrival

The first two trains arrived at Capital Metro’s Rail Facility in late October.

Shortly after the trains arrived, the reassembly process began.

Crews used cranes to lift the vehicles off truck flatbeds and place them on the track.

Then, crews reassembled the engine to the two passenger compartments.

Testing

Capital Metro is currently testing the commuter rail vehicles along a portion of the rail line.

Capital Metro will also conduct 1,000 miles of testing for each vehicle to ensure certain specifications and reliability. This requirement is part of Capital Metro¿s vehicle acceptance program.