CTA selects Bombardier as preferred bidder
Chicago transit system will order more than 400 rapid transit vehicles that use alternating current propulsion.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has selected Bombardier as the preferred bidder on a major order of rapid transit cars. The CTA board chose Bombardier for a base order of 206 rail vehicles and exercised a first option for 200 additional vehicles for a total of 406 vehicles. The total number of cars involved eventually could increase to 706 should CTA exercise all available options. The new railcars will be the first in CTA's fleet to use alternating current (AC) propulsion, a technology that permits dynamic braking regeneration, lower energy and maintenance costs and improved reliability. The new fleet of cars will also be equipped with a special level boarding system to meet ADA requirements.
More Rail

USDOT Awards $416 Million for Florida Rail Crossing Safety Upgrades, New Brightline Station
The projects aim to reduce risks for motorists and pedestrians at rail crossings while expanding passenger rail access along Florida’s Space Coast.
Read More →
OCTA Declares Emergency to Protect Rail Corridor From Coastal Erosion
The California agency is accelerating shoreline protection and plans to place approximately 690,000 cubic yards of sand along the San Clemente coast to protect a key passenger and freight rail link.
Read More →
More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent
The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.
Read More →
Airo Trains Make Their Amtrak Cascades Debut in the Pacific Northwest
Effective immediately, two cutting-edge Airo trainsets will join the Amtrak Cascades route, operating four daily trips between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon, marking the first introduction of Airo trains into passenger service anywhere in the country.
Read More →
Florida's Brightline Announces Financial Restructuring
Brightline Florida says train operations will continue as normal as certain parent entities enter Chapter 11 and financial stakeholders provide $490 million in new long-term capital.
Read More →
ENC Lands MATA Contract and More in Biz Briefs
In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.
Read More →
Strada360’s Steve Lassey on Turning Transit Data Into Better Decisions
From breaking down data silos to preparing for AI, Strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can use technology to improve operations, customer information, and long-term decision-making.
Read More →
SEPTA Details Accelerate Vision for Transit System
The plan outlines investments in trolley modernization, new Metro and Regional Rail vehicles, accessible stations, and more frequent bus and rail service.
Read More →
FTA Ends Direct Oversight of MBTA Safety Actions
The federal agency closed its remaining special directive to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities following a safety review that began in 2022.
Read More →
Amtrak, CN Reach Agreements to Strengthen Passenger Rail Service, Safety
The agreement resolves a more than decade-long proceeding before the Surface Transportation Board concerning the terms and conditions for Amtrak services, such as the City of New Orleans, Illini/Saluki, and Wolverine.
Read More →