MENU
SEARCHThe firm will provide quality assurance, engineering, and administrative services for Metra’s $154 million base order for eight battery-powered trainsets.
Metra's two-car trainsets are part of a larger push in the transportation industry to provide more economical and environmentally-friendly options for commuters.
Photo: Metra
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.
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.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Read More →
Site construction is complete, production is underway, and the first locally built passenger coaches are on track for delivery in Summer 2026.
Read More →
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
Read More →
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
Read More →
The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
Read More →
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Read More →
Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
Read More →
The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.
Read More →
Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.
Read More →
With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.
Read More →
