The first Stadler FLIRT model trains have passed TEXRail’s dynamic train testing at the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport in Texas bringing TEXRail one step closer to putting the trains into service.

TEXRail conducted testing, which took place October 10, 2018, with the support of the Federal Aviation Administration. Tests consisted of a train clearance test and test activities to verify any impacts to the ASR 9 radar tower due to train operations. The test section covered the alignment from the Dallas Fort Worth Junction to the DFW Airport Terminal B station. Next steps in the testing process will include a system-wide test to certify the commuter rail system before testing is completed in December.

Trinity Metro ordered eight diesel-electric low-floor multiple unit FLIRT from Stadler in June 2015 for the TEXRail project. The trains will operate on the commuter route in the corridor between downtown Fort Worth and the northern railway terminus of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. The design of the vehicles allows operation of a mixed fleet including freight trains with the vehicles meeting the new AVT requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration and Buy America.

Last week, the FAA and TEXRail tested the trains for clearance to wayside equipment and the infrastructure as well as for train vibration and reflectivity impact to the DFW ASR9 tower radar operation. Train clearance tests such as this one are a function of the project safety and security certification process and will support the system certification. Tests are scheduled based on the track allocation program managed by the commuter rail service operator.

“Essentially, this particular test is part of the overall certification by the FRA that we need to place TEXRail in service,” said TEXRail spokesperson Linda Thornton.