Rail News – Metra OKs buy of 500 rail automobiles. For Railroad Occupation Specialists

Metra’s board yesterday authorized the purchase of up to 500 multilevel rail cars and trucks from Alstom Transportation Inc.

The first purchase will be for 200 automobiles. Metra will have the option to invest in up to 300 supplemental vehicles for up to $1.8 billion complete, Metra officials claimed in a push launch.

The cars specified in the deal are a personalized model of Alstom’s Coradia Duplex design and will be created at Alstom’s producing plant in Hornell, New York. A third of the rail-motor vehicle contract worth will be delivered by Illinois-primarily based suppliers, Metra officers stated.

The new rail autos will be wheelchair available and have two entranceways with doors practically level to the system. The vehicles will also aspect safety camera in the passenger region and a microprocessor-managed braking program.

The 1st motor vehicle is anticipated to be delivered 42 months soon after the agreement is finalized, with the whole foundation get to be finished 30 months afterwards.

About 40 per cent of Metra’s present-day fleet of 840 cars are rated in marginal or lousy situation, Metra officials stated.

“We are eventually modernizing a single of the oldest fleets in the state and, in executing so, we will boost functions whilst elevating our passenger practical experience to an entirely new level. It’s really section of our extended-phrase prepare to evolve and serve the shifting needs of today’s commuters,” reported Metra Main Executive Officer and Govt Director Jim Derwinski.