Chicago Buys $1.3 Billion in New Rail Cars

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will replace half its rail cars by the year 2020.

1 minute read

March 10, 2016, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"The Chicago Transit Authority Board voted Wednesday to approve a $1.3 billion contract for 846 rail cars," reports Mary Wisniewski. That total represents "about half" of the CTA's rail fleet, according to Wisniewski.

"The winning bidder to build the 7000 Series cars is CSR Sifang America. The last series of rail cars, known as the 5000 Series, were designed in the last decade and built by Bombardier Transportation," adds Wisniewski. The contract will also bring jobs and investment to a facility located on the Southeast side of the city. prototype cars are expected to debut in 2019, and the new cars are expected for implementation into the system by 2020.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Chicago Tribune

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