The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) board approved a contract for up to 80 new light rail vehicles as part of the agency’s TRAX Modernization project to upgrade and expand service over the next decade. 

Stadler was selected by UTA through competitive procurement and will build the vehicles at its Salt Lake City-based U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility. 

“The location of Stadler’s manufacturing facility in Utah provides a unique opportunity for UTA to work directly with our equipment supplier and fast track adjustments that develop throughout the build process,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “With a 25-year-old TRAX system and ridership already up 17% this year systemwide, these new vehicles will help UTA modernize and expand its light rail system for generations to come.” 

First Stadler LRVs in U.S.

The initial $129 million contract is for 20 new Stadler Citylink light rail cars and funded, in part, by a Federal Transit Administration grant. Pending additional funding, it includes options for 60 additional vehicles, all built in accordance with federal Buy America requirements. 

The Citylink light rail vehicle can be modified to meet customers’ needs and requirements and offers maximum accessibility in part due to its low-floor design. 

More than 800 units of this low-vibration vehicle type have been sold in various countries across Europe since 2003. 

“Salt Lake City is our home in the U.S., and the opportunity to build trains for our community is a massive honor,” said Martin Ritter, CEO at Stadler US Inc. Most of our workforce and their families live in and around Salt Lake City and will ride these new trains, so the excitement can be felt throughout our entire facility today.” 

Stadler’s Salt Lake City Facility

Stadler established its U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City in 2016 when the company expanded to North America from Europe. 

Stadler now employs more than 500 people at its Salt Lake manufacturing facility and employment will continue to grow as Stadler expands to meet market demands across the country.