The transit authority sends in some photos and facts about their first rail car. From the press release:
• The assembly of Capital Metro’s first urban commuter-rail train is complete.
• Stadler Rail Group has begun static testing of the vehicle at its manufacturing plant in Switzerland.
• Track testing will follow in the next few months.
• This is the first of six diesel-electric trains for Capital MetroRail.
• The first vehicle will arrive in Austin this fall for testing on Capital Metro’s tracks.
• Each train will have room for more than 200 passengers (108 seated) and will feature bicycle and luggage racks, high-back seats, low floor entry for easy access, and free Wi-Fi.
• Capital MetroRail trains will exceed both U.S. and European safety standards.
• Service will begin in late 2008 from Leander to Downtown Austin.
• Initially, trains will run every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush
hours.
• Visit www.allsystemsgo.capmetro.org for a Capital MetroRail map and station locations.
• Capital MetroRail is part of the citizen-designed All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan, which also includes expanded local and express bus service, Capital MetroRapid bus service, new park-and-ride facilities, and more.
This article appears in March 23 • 2007.