More Citylink for Utah – made in Utah

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) orders 20 more Stadler Citylink light rail vehicles. This fulfills an option from the base order of 20 vehicles placed in the fall of 2024. The trains are tailored for the UTA TRAX service in and around Salt Lake City. Stadler is set to build the vehicles at its Salt Lake City manufacturing site – proudly built in Utah for Utah. The design of the new TRAX trains is being presented to the public at Utah Transportation Conference this week.

Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has announced the purchase of 20 additional Citylink light rail vehicles, following the base order of 20 vehicles placed just one year ago. These state-of-the-art trains are custom designed for UTA’s TRAX service, serving Salt Lake City and surrounding communities. True to its commitment to local investment, Stadler will manufacture the vehicles at its Salt Lake City facility—proudly built in Utah, for Utah. 

TRAX Contract Grows

The UTA Board of Trustees approved the fleet expansion as part of the agency’s ambitious “TRAX Forward” project, a long-term initiative to enhance and expand transit service across the region over the next decade. UTA selected Stadler—a global leader in passenger rail manufacturing—as its vehicle supplier for the TRAX service in 2024. The company’s U.S. headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Salt Lake City, making this order a milestone: the first Stadler-built light rail vehicles to operate in Utah, the company’s American home. 

The original $129 million contract, partially funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, included 20 Citylink vehicles, with options for up to 60 more. With this latest order, UTA has now exercised 20 of those options, bringing the total number of vehicles on order to 40. 

“Following a competitive selection process, UTA is proud to partner with Stadler to deliver the next generation of UTA’s light rail vehicles,” said UTA Executive Director Jay Fox. “Stadler’s Utah-based facility gives us the rare advantage of working directly with our manufacturer to refine and optimize vehicle performance during production. These low-floor, fully accessible TRAX cars will enhance the customer experience, improve comfort, and support our growing ridership. As we look ahead to the future of TRAX, these new vehicles position UTA to serve Utah’s expanding communities for many years to come.” 

Passenger-Friendly Design

Stadler’s Citylink vehicles are known for their versatility and passenger-friendly design. Featuring a low-floor layout, they offer easy boarding for all riders, including those with mobility challenges. With more than 800 units sold across Europe since 2003, the Citylink platform is Stadler’s most advanced light rail solution—delivering low vibration, high reliability, and proven performance. 

“UTA’s decision to expand its fleet with additional Stadler trains reflects the strength of our local partnership,” said Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US Inc. “These vehicles represent a new era of modern, forward-thinking infrastructure and contribute to Salt Lake City’s vision of becoming a leader in urban transit innovation.” 

Stadler established its U.S. base in Salt Lake City in 2016, bringing its European expertise to North America. Today, the company employs more than 600 people at its recently expanded Utah facility, with continued growth expected as demand for Stadler’s rail solutions expands nationwide.