On October 22, 2020, the DCTA board approved the assignment of the contract for the management of its A-Train operations and maintenance to Rio Grande Pacific (RGPC).
RGPC will provide operations and maintenance of tracks, signaling, dispatching, and communications. RGPC has retained Stadler U.S. Inc. to maintain the rolling stock. DCTA’s A-train is a 21-mile commuter line linking Denton communities to the full Dallas transit system.
RGPC is a respected Fort Worth, Texas-based railroad holding company with 35 years of service in the industry. Stadler is recognized as an international leader as a rolling stock supplier. Together this partnership is an ideal fit to take over the remaining five years of a nine-year fixed-price contract. The agreement is effective on October 31, 2020, with an option to extend five years.
We’re looking forward to our partnership with Rio Grande Pacific for the management of our A-train rail operations and maintenance, which will enable us to continue providing quality passenger-focused rail service for the many communities we serve,” DCTA Deputy CEO Kristina Holcomb said.
Robert Bach, President of RGPC expressed his enthusiasm about entering into a contract with Stadler stating “This relationship with Stadler U.S. Inc. will assist RGPC in providing a premium level service to DCTA which will be a model for both companies as we look to the future in commuter rail industry.”
Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler U.S. Inc. stated the execution of this contract, “shows that we are growing stronger in this sector and our customers not only value our partnership when it comes to supplying rolling stock, but also rely on our excellent service options.” This is the second U.S. service contract for Stadler. The first being DART in Dallas, Texas area.
As part of the changeover, six-management employees, and fourteen engineers and conductors have transitioned to RGPC, and twelve mechanical and support employees have joined Stadler.