Bombardier Transportation has announced that, further to the original contract announced in July 2006, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has placed orders for 300 additional rapid transit cars.
These orders are valued at approximately $331 million US bringing the total number of cars ordered by CTA to 706, and the total value of the contract to approximately $1 billion US.
These next-generation rapid transit cars (known as the 5000-Series) will be the first in CTA’s fleet to utilise alternating current (AC) propulsion, a technology that permits dynamic braking regeneration, lower energy and maintenance costs, and improved reliability.
The new fleet of cars also will be equipped with an active suspension system to ensure that the car floor is level with the station platform during boarding, allowing passengers to board the train more easily.
Other features of the new cars include greater capacity, better communications systems, increased security and real-time diagnostics to improve reliability.
The 5000-Series cars are being built at Bombardier’s manufacturing plant in Plattsburgh, New York.
Commenting on the news, Raymond Bachant, President, Bombardier Transportation, North America said:
“We are proud to be a partner with CTA in providing modern, efficient and environmentally-friendly transportation to the citizens of Chicago. These orders illustrate the continued confidence CTA places in Bombardier and our products.”
