CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As Metra gradually replaces its vintage railcars with a new fleet, passengers can expect to see cup holders, charging outlets, and video screens.
The Metra Board of Directors approved Wednesday spending up to $1.8 billion for up to 500 new, state-of-the-art railcars from Alstom Transportation Inc. in New York.
Metra said the new, multilevel cars that will be more comfortable, accessible, reliable, and safe than the outdated gallery cars they will replace.
“This move is truly transformational,” said an elated Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “We are finally modernizing one of the oldest fleets in the country and, in doing so, we will improve operations while elevating our passenger experience to an entirely new level. It’s really part of our long-term plan to evolve and serve the changing needs of today’s commuters.”
The commuter train in Chicago has looked pretty much the same ever since the first double-decker commuter coach was delivered to the old Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1950.
Passengers board through a door in the center and an open space down the center aisle allows the conductor to check tickets on the upper and lower levels.
But that look will soon change. The new cars will have two entranceways on each side with doors nearly level to the platform, thereby requiring only one step to enter instead of multiple steps on the old gallery cars. The cars will also be wheelchair accessible for people with disabilities, deploying lifts to bridge the slight difference between the platform and entrance.
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Metra said the new cars will also offer video screens, bike racks, storage for bags, charging outlets, cupholders, arm rests, and more.
From a mechanical perspective, the new cars will be significantly quieter and deliver a noticeably smoother ride. Additionally, they will also have an advanced HVAC system that will scrub the air, reducing staleness, allergens and airborne viruses.
“From an operational perspective, most people don’t realize that we are constantly making upgrades to tracks, bridges and our car servicing.” said Bruce Marcheschi, Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Executive Director. “But this is something that our passengers will immediately see, feel and smell. This is a real game-changer for our riders.”
About 40 percent of Metra’s current fleet of 840 cars are rated in marginal or poor condition, although they are still safe to operate. The new cars will offer increased reliability, while reducing operating costs – a substantial improvement over the increasing expense of maintaining the older cars, Metra said in a statement.
The new cars will have stainless steel bodies and be compatible with Metra’s existing fleet, which means they can be coupled to current cars.
The initial order will be for 200 cars. Metra will have the option to buy up to 300 additional cars for up to $1.8 billion total.
The agency will use federal, state and Regional Transportation Authority funds to pay for the cars. The purchase comes as the agency is trying to win back commuters after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in ridership.
The first cars will arrive in the Metra system in 2024.