CHICAGO — Stadler US will build eight two-car battery-electric trainsets for Chicago’s Metra, its first order for such equipment in the United States, the commuter operator and manufacturer announced today (Wednesday, Feb. 21).
The eight trainsets are the initial order for an agreement that could expand to as many as 16 trainsets. While the trainsets will initially be two cars, they can later be expanded to three- or four-car trains. Metra plans to introduce the equipment on the Rock Island District’s Beverly Branch, a 16.4-mile route between downtown and Blue Island, Ill., that features frequent stops in the communities of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park, and Blue Island.
The first trainsets are expected to be delivered in 2027-28, and are projected to have a range of 45 to 65 miles. Charging times will vary, but going from a 20% charge to 80%, enough to operate, is expected to take 20 to 30 minutes.
“This purchase demonstrates Metra’s commitment to cleaner power, to quieter trains, and to thinking outside the box as we plan for our future,” Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski said in a press release. “We are excited to bring this technology, and its efficiency, flexibility, and reliability, to Chicago and to our riders.” Derwinski also said he believes the new equipment “will be an essential addition to our fleet.”
The contract with Stadler U.S. includes a base order of $154 million for the eight two-car trainsets, with options of up to $181.4 million for eight more train sets and up to 32 trailer cars which could be added to those two-car trainsets. Each two-car set will seat 112 people, and each two-car trailer will add about 46 additional seats. The single-level equipment will feature an open-gangway design allowing people to move from car to car; half of the trailer cars, if purchased, would include ADA-accessible bathrooms.
Metra had received a $169.3 million federal grant — the largest discretionary grant in its history — in October. It had previously issued a Request for Proposals for battery-electric equipment in September 2022 [see “Metra lands federal grant to purchase battery-powered trainsets,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 18, 2023]. The required 20% local match to the federal grant will come from the Illinois PAYGO program, funding created by the Rebuild Illinois bill passed in 2019.
Stadler says the equipment for Metra will be winterized to handle Chicago’s climate, with features including underfloor heating in boarding areas as well as special insulation and well-sealed machine rooms to protect the drive technology.
“Our [battery-electric multiple unit] technology helps support transit agencies like Metra in their mission to bring state-of-the-art green public transit to the U.S.,” Stadler US CEO Martin Ritter said in a press release. “We are excited to build these trains for the greater Chicago area and are looking forward to the partnership with Metra.”
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