The Chicago Transit Board has approved a change in its current contract with Bombardier to purchase 406 new rail cars. In addition, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will make technological improvements to some of the rail car features.
Chicago Transit to enhance rail cars
Will implement security, capacity, communication improvements.
January 24, 2008
1 min to read
The improvements include: adding wireless connectivity to the electronic systems for viewing live video from any railcar and to access diagnostic information in real time; adding cellular modems to rail cars for communicating with customers via audio and text messages; upgrading seat fabric to an anti-stain/anti-microbial fabric; and requesting an industrial design assessment.
The changes made to the existing $577 million contract total $26.6 million, bringing the grand total for the base order of 206 rail cars and option 1 for 200 additional rail cars to $603.6 million. The rail cars will replace older cars, some more than 30 years old.
Following testing and evaluation of the prototypes, delivery of the base order and option 1 is scheduled to begin in 2010 and run through 2012.
Topics:Rail
More Rail
Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson
In this episode of METROspectives, METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sits down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group).
Read More →
New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Read More →
Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract
The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
Read More →
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
Read More →
People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Read More →
LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor
The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.
Read More →