Chicago’s Metra Metropolitan Rail (Metra) selected STV to provide procurement support for one of the nation’s first all-electric, battery-powered trainsets. 

The firm will provide quality assurance, engineering, and administrative services for Metra’s $154 million base order for eight battery-powered trainsets.

Metra’s New Trainsets

The two-car trainsets are part of a larger push in the transportation industry to provide more economical and environmentally-friendly options for commuters. 

The trainsets will feature low-level boarding and be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant. Each two-car set will also seat 112 people with trailer cars that can provide seating for 46 people. Additionally, amenities such as information signs, bike racks, luggage racks, and USB outlets will be included.

“STV has a long-standing relationship providing various engineering and advisory services to Metra and is quickly becoming a leading provider of zero-emission engineering support for bus, and now rail transit, making us uniquely qualified to assist Metra with this initiative,” said Austin Longshore, sr. engineer and project manager at STV. “We’re excited to partner with Metra on this innovative procurement that will be among the very first in the United States to leverage all-battery electric technology for passenger rail.”

A fully charged trainset is expected to have a range of 45 to 50 miles. Charging time will vary, but going from 20% to 80%, with a “fast” charge — enough for the trainset to operate — expected to take about 20 to 30 minutes.