Atlanta shows off Stadler metro train

In 2019 the Swiss company Stadler won its first metro rolling stock contract in North America, 127 two-car trains for MARTA in Atlanta, with an option for 25 more, worth more than USD 600M. At the time it was Stadler’\s largest ever contract; until recent expansion and acquisition Stadler was better known for building small batches of cars for Switzerland’s light railways. Although it still does this, in addition to its Swiss factories, the company has rolling stock plants in Germany, Poland and Spain. For North America, Stadler has an assembly plant in Salt Lake City, initially set up to supply Flirt DMUs to US railroads. 

 

The Atlanta metro trains were supposed to enter service in 2023, but the initial manufacturing process was slowed by COVID restrictions. However they have been delivered (as 56 four-car trains) in 2024, undergoing commissioning and testing. On 30 January 2025 the public got their first look at the new train, at a publicity event at Lindbergh Centre station. MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood said, 'When I stepped onto that new train this morning, it felt like stepping into the future. These new railcars are an inspiration to everyone at MARTA and to our customers who will get to experience a cleaner and safer ride – and hopefully one that shows them how transit can make their lives easier and their trip more enjoyable’. 

 

MARTA’s existing metro trains were built by Sociéte Franco-Belge before its acquisition by Alstom, and entered service in 1979 when the 48-mile (77km) system was opened. It now covers four lines and carries over 31M passengers/year.