[IMAGE]BombardierCTAJuly202011-2.jpg[/IMAGE] In addition to the initial contract announced in July 2006, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has placed orders for 300 additional Bombardier Transportation rapid transit cars. These orders are valued at approximately $331 million, bringing the total number of cars ordered by CTA to 706, and the total value of the contract to approximately $1 billion.
These next-generation rapid transit cars (known as the 5000-Series) will be the first in CTA’s fleet to utilize alternating current (AC) propulsion, a technology that permits dynamic braking regeneration, lowering energy and maintenance costs, and improving 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, N.Y.
Bombardier to supply Chicago for $1B
The Chicago Transit Authority has placed orders for 300 additional Bombardier Transportation rapid transit cars in addition to the 406 it contracted for in 2006. The 5000-Series cars will be the first in the agency’s fleet to utilize alternating current propulsion, a technology that permits dynamic braking regeneration.
More Rail
Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States
Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.
Read More →
Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
Read More →
Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
Read More →
How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
Read More →
Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
Read More →
USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings
Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.
Read More →
NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
Read More →
WMATA Adopts FY2027 Budget, Boosts Service Without Raising Fares
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
Read More →
Denver's RTD Celebrates 10th Anniversary of the A Line
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
Read More →
Virginia DRPT Releases Draft Six-Year Program for Transit, Rail Investments
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
Read More →