METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

DART awards streetcar vehicle contract

Brookville Equipment Corp. vehicles will operate along a four-stop, 1.6-mile track that provides access for citizens of Dallas' urban core to the downtown Union Station hub, which connects to DART's Red/Blue/Green light rail lines and the Trinity Railway Express with service to Fort Worth.

March 11, 2013
DART awards streetcar vehicle contract

 

2 min to read


Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Brookville Equipment Corp. officially agreed to terms for the supply of two off-wire capable Liberty Modern Streetcars to the downtown Union Station to Oak Cliff extension project, with an option for two additional streetcars. The light rail vehicle (LRV) will be the first-ever American-designed and manufactured off-wire capable streetcar to be delivered to a U.S. public transit agency.

The Brookville Liberty Streetcars will operate along a four-stop, 1.6-mile track that provides access for citizens of Dallas' urban core to the downtown Union Station hub, which connects to DART's Red/Blue/Green light rail lines and the Trinity Railway Express with service to Fort Worth.

Ad Loading...

The streetcars will utilize an innovative battery energy storage system (ESS) to power the car's four traction motors when off-wire. Approximately one mile of the 1.6-mile track will require ESS power, allowing the LRV to cross the city's Houston Street Viaduct over the Trinity River without the use of catenary.

Featuring three passenger compartments, the 66.5 foot-long, eight foot-wide cars will include more than 70% low-floor area, providing accessible seating for passengers. The streetcars will run on standard 56.5-inch track gauge and utilize Brookville’s soft ride trucks powered by four 99 kW AC traction motors while traveling at a maximum speed of 44 mph.

The contract between Brookville and DART is authorized for up to $9.4 million and the extension project includes funding from a Federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) I grant of $23 million. The downtown Union Station to Oak Cliff extension is being funded through various grants totaling $56.8 million, with collaborative agency support between the City of Dallas, North Central Texas Council of Governments and DART.

The Oak Cliff streetcar extension is slated for a late 2014 completion and will provide enhanced accessibility to downtown Dallas for residents in adjacent neighborhoods.

More Rail

A fleet of Caltrain electrified trains on tracks
Railby StaffApril 3, 2026

Funding Gap Could Force Caltrain to Slash Service, Close Stations

The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding. 

Read More →
SEPTA's Exo railcars
Railby StaffApril 2, 2026

SEPTA Purchases Montreal Coach Cars to Bolster Regional Rail Fleet

Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.

Read More →
The South Shore Line with Passengers
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

South Shore Line Extension Debuts, Boosting Rail Access in Northwest Indiana

The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rendering of a California High-Speed Rail vehicle
Railby StaffApril 1, 2026

High-Speed Rail May Boost Brain Health, New Study Finds

Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.

Read More →
An MBTA commuter rail at a station.
Railby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Massachusetts Announces Summer Savings for Commuter Rail Riders

With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.

Read More →
A Sound Transit Crosslake Connection Link light rail vehicle
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

Sound Transit Opens Crosslake Connection, Completing Link 2 Line

The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SEPTA M vehicle on bridge
Railby StaffMarch 30, 2026

SEPTA Set to Begin Major Rehabilitation Project Along M Line

From March 29 through May 9, shuttle buses will replace train service between Bridgeport Station and Norristown Transit Center. Train service will operate as normal between Bridgeport Station and 69th Street Transit Center.

Read More →
Supervisor and LA Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath stands at a podium with a crowd of community members behind her.
Railby Staff and News ReportsMarch 27, 2026

LA Metro Board Advances K Line Northern Extension Through Fairfax and West Hollywood

The project will create the first continuous north-south rail line in the LA basin, connecting major job centers, transit lines, and communities.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →