Texas just bought more FLIRTs – and no – this isn’t a euphemism for a dating app. FLIRT stands for Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train, a type of train set operated by Trinity Metro in Texas, the public transit agency serving Fort Worth and surrounding suburbs. They’re an example of a train that may fit into the missing model for North America’s fast frequent intercity service.

What Are FLIRTs?

A FLIRT is a type of passenger rail train which is typically set up with either diesel or as an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU), where a train is able to move by the electricity it generates, basically propelling it forward without a separated engine train to move it. For the type of trains Trinity Metro ordered, a separate engine is used. 

FLIRTs are widely known for their lightweight construction and ease of maintenance. They’re primarily made out of aluminum and use very easy to repair parts, making them ideal for transportation agencies on strict budgets such as ones in the United States. They are also pretty efficient, reaching top speeds of around 100 miles per hour (or 160 kilometers per hour), making them ideal for trips around 5 or so hours. 

Who’s Using Them?

FLIRT trains are in use or will be used by a variety of public transportation agencies in the United States, such as:

• Trinity Metro: TEXRail commuter rail between Forth Worth and its airport.

• Arrow Commuter Rail: Commuter rail between San Bernardino and Redlands.

• Amtrak California: Several intercity passenger rail routes running through California. 

• Dallas Area Rapid Transit: Future silver line service in 2026.

• Metra: Rock Island Beverly branch line between Joliet and Chicago. 

So, What About Ohio?

As Ohio is working on establishing inter-city rail services, the state and Amtrak is already thinking about what fast-frequent services could look like.

First is in connections to airports. Think of Cleveland RTA’s Red Line service which goes to Hopkins International Airport. The train takes around 30 minutes to go from downtown to the airport at an operating speed of around 60 miles per hour. With a FLIRT train (one similar to it), this could be used to cut down that travel time easily by ten to fifteen minutes, enabling better frequency for riders going to a busy airport in one of Ohio’s biggest cities.

Another area these trainsets could benefit Ohioans are for intercity commuter purposes – like going to and from a downtown area for work or to visit the city. Similar how to agencies like Metra in Chicago operate, Ohio’s transportation agencies could follow models in Illinois for using these trainsets to whisk people around destinations quickly. 

Even if Ohio may not buy these units anytime soon, finding cost effective ways to modernize public transportation across the state is a must – and lightweight, easy to maintain units like FLIRTs may be something to keep in mind while we bring our transit services into the 21st century.