TEXRail unveils new Equipment Maintenance Facility in Fort Worth
The new home of TEXRail trains was on display at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 22. The Equipment Maintenance Facility (EMF), located at 3137 E. Long Ave., celebrated the grand opening with tours of the facility — and tours of a TEXRail train.
"Watching this facility come together has been very gratifying," said Paul J Ballard, president and chief executive officer of Trinity Metro. "The craftsmanship and quality of the equipment maintenance facility lay the groundwork for efficient TEXRail operations and maintenance."
Located on a 27-acre site, the EMF building is a 53,000 square-foot-facility that includes three maintenance pits (two indoor and one outdoor) and a train washing area. All eight TEXRail train sets will be housed and maintained at the EMF. The site also includes offices, a warehouse for parts and dispatch operations.
"TEXRail will be a premium commuter rail that will transform how people view train service," said Bob Baulsir, senior vice president, who oversees rail construction for Trinity Metro. "These trains have a European design that is very sleek and modern. What might surprise riders and residents is how quiet TEXRail is."
About EMF operations
TEXRail and the Trinity Railway Express will both be dispatched from the EMF. Dispatchers will control movements for all trains on Trinity Metro's lines, including Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Union Pacific, Dallas, Garland & Northeastern, Fort Worth & Western Railroad, Grapevine Vintage Railroad and Amtrak.
About the TEXRail train
The FLIRT 3 (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) vehicles, which are built by Stadler Bussnang AG of Switzerland, are assembled in Utah as part of the Buy America program. Two TEXRail train sets are in Fort Worth and a third will be arriving in Texas later this month. All eight train sets will be delivered by the end of the year.
The diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains are configured with an operator cab at either end for bidirectional movement. At the center of the train is a power pack with two diesel engines. This style of train is much quieter than traditional commuter rail. TEXRail amenities include a quiet car, work tables, lap trays, level boarding, bike racks and overhead storage for bags.
