Denton County Transportation Authority A-train passengers should be able to ride the new Stadler GTW rail vehicles for the first time at 11:19 a.m. today.
DCTA purchased 11 diesel-electric GTW 2/6 articulated rail vehicles from Stadler.
The new vehicles offer level boarding and incorporate enhanced passenger information systems and video surveillance.
On June 4, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded DCTA an alternative vehicle technology waiver that allowed DCTA to introduce the vehicles into service earlier than anticipated. DCTA will operate one set of Stadler GTWs today and throughout next week, officials said.
Dee Leggett, vice president of communications and planning, said Friday that the last round of tests with the Stadler cars on the line and signals finished this week, and operations reported that they were ready for the switch on Thursday morning.
“The last two days, we’re having everything and anything checked and re-checked,” Leggett said.
Was anyone buffing the paint with a soft cloth?
“I would hope so,” Leggett said. “It needs to be all shiny tomorrow.”
DCTA plans to integrate additional vehicles into service over the next few months, with a full transition by September, officials said.
The Stadler GTW vehicles cost $7.5 million each. The spacious interior has room for wheelchairs, strollers and bicycles.
There are 104 seats and standing room for 96 people in every vehicle along with large windows and comfortable seating.
