Dallas, TX - The Triangle Transit Authority's (TTA) selected rail vehicle manufacturer today introduced a mock-up of the vehicle that TTA intends to use for its 12-station, 28-mile Regional Rail Transit System between Durham, Research Triangle Park, Cary and Raleigh.  The new rail car from United Transit Systems (UTS) is on display at the American Public Transportation Association Expo at the Dallas Convention Center.

The rail vehicle, called a diesel multiple unit (DMU), was selected for TTA’s Regional Rail Transit System because it can operate next to freight and Amtrak passenger service.  They are self-propelled, eliminating the need for locomotives or electrification of the rail corridor with an overhead catenary. The technology is cost-effective and the DMU's can be "coupled" together quickly to build trains of varying lengths to efficiently respond to ridership demand.

General Manager John Claflin said, "TTA is proud to partner with UTS to bring this outstanding rail vehicle to America and the Triangle region of North Carolina.”  UTS is a consortium of the Sojitz Corporation and Rotem Company.

In May 2005, Sojitz Corporation of America President & CEO Jun Matsumoto and Rotem Company Vice Chairman & CEO Soon-Won Chung signed a design agreement with TTA which allowed UTS to begin limited design and engineering on the prototype introduced today. Both have called the new TTA DMU the "flagship vehicle" for United Transit Systems. Once the Federal Transit Administration issues a "Letter of No Prejudice," TTA will sign a contract to build the DMU's. UTS initially will supply 14 DMU's for TTA.

TTA Board Chair Carter Worthy told the Expo attendees, “This is a pivotal step for TTA and we are looking forward to opening day.”   

Click here to see the vehicle mock-up.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International    Airport, Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle and ShareTheRideNC.com, the statewide rideshare matching service.

TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.