DART - Stadler Flirt DMU Order

https://www.railwayage.com/news/operati ... trainsets/

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The Stadler FLIRT DMU for DART is the first passenger trainset being tested at the revitalized TTC since ENSCO assumed operational responsibilities in October 2022, having won a competitive bid and contracted to operate and expand the breadth of transportation modalities that can be tested on-site. Stadler arrived with two FLIRT DMU trainsets. The first unit is being used for qualification testing, while the second is being stored until delivery to DART. Additionally, the trainsets were featured in the TTC 50th Anniversary Event on Oct. 25, 2022, during which attendees enjoyed a historic ride on the DMU around the TTC’s largest test loop, symbolizing the beginning of a new era for the TTC.

Trainset Background
The DART contract for eight FLIRT trainsets was awarded to Stadler in June 2019. Train operation will occur on the commuter route between the northern railway terminus at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Plano. Each DMU is comprised of four passenger-carrying units, two on each side of a separate midsection power unit housing a power pack consisting of a diesel engine and traction alternator (generator).

An important design feature of the Stadler FLIRT is that it can be designed to use different power sources such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells. DART’s configuration utilizes four powered and eight unpowered axles. The trainset has the unique feature of quiet passenger compartments and a large amount of low-floor area because the power pack is installed in a separate midsection. This feature also isolates passengers from experiencing elevated vibrations. Total trainset length is approximately 266 feet, with capacity for 263 passengers (222 seated, 41 standing). Maximum operating speed is 79 mph.
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Not surprising. DART has had the ability to see the FLIRTS in action on both Tarrant and Denton County's heavy rail corridors.

The "Silver Line" between DFW and Plano (running on the same former Cotton Belt rails that the Fort Worth to DFW TexRail service also uses) will be an interesting twist on regional rail in that it's one of the few non-downtown routings I can think of. Everything else in the DART system radiates outward from Downtown Dallas.