Metra will become one of the first in the nation to utilize the new technology
CHICAGO — Metra has announced the purchase of new zero-emission, battery-powered trains.
The Metra Board of Directors approved a contract on Wednesday to purchase the new trainsets.
The Board of Directors agreed on a contract with the Salt Lake City-based railroad company Stadler U.S. for a $154 million base order that will include eight two-car, battery-powered trainsets, including engineering, training, and spare parts.
The contract also included options for eight more trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars for an additional $181.4 million. Metra said the additional cars could be added to two-car trainsets to make three-or four-car trains.
According to Metra, a trainset is a group of permanently or semi-permanently coupled railcars that are powered by a propulsion system. Operators sit at both ends of the so they can quickly change directions.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.
The two-car trainsets will each seat 112 people and any additional cars would add space for about 46 more people. The new trains will also include bike racks, luggage racks and USB outlets.
According to Metra, the new trains will also offer low-level boarding and will be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant.
Metra officials said the first trains are expected to be delivered in 2027 or 2028.
Metra plans to debut the new trains on the 16.4-mile stretch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line.
According to Metra, the chosen line for the new trains would benefit the air quality in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods on the South Side and in parts of the south suburbs.
The trains are expected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles when fully charged. According to Metra, charging times for the trains will vary, but it is only expected to take between 20 and 30 minutes to get the train’s battery from 20% to 80%, which is the amount needed to operate the train.
Charging infrastructure and its cost have not yet been determined.
Officials say the purchase of the new trains will allow Metra to retire some of its oldest railcars and diesel locomotives, which are beyond their useful life.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Jim Derwinski said. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.
The recent purchase was made using $169.3 million Metra received through a federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grant. The grant money will cover the base order and some options.
According to Metra, the new trains could offer a more economical and environmentally friendly way to offer the same service as the railway operator works to achieve its vision of providing more frequent all-day service.
Gabriel Castillo
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