Stadler Taps Knorr-Bremse for MARTA Railcar Brake Systems

Stadler has selected Knorr Brake Company (KBC), Knorr-Bremse’s U.S. passenger rail subsidiary, to supply braking systems for up to 254 railcars for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).The long-term contract also includes an option for an additional 100 railcars.

Technologies include bogie brake equipment and the Knorr-Bremse PistonSupply Eco (VV80-T) oil-free compressor with dedicated air supply unit inverters designed and produced specifically for U.S. metro rail applications. Brake controls and wheel slide protection (WSP) dump valves are also a part of the agreement and will interface with the train control and management system (TCMS) via a platform developed by Selectron, Knorr-Bremse’s subsidiary for integrated digital and cyber security solutions.

While most of the braking components will be produced at KBC’s Westminster, Maryland-based facility, the vehicles will be manufactured by Stadler U.S. Inc. in its new Salt Lake City, Utah, plant and delivered to Atlanta to replace existing railcars. The initial deliveries from KBC are expected in the first quarter of 2022 and will run through the close of 2028.