So far... Image: MileMover
Swiss rail manufacturer Stadler has won a tender for 16 battery-electric multiple units for the Chicago Metro's Rock Island line. This success follows its hydrogen-powered multiple units for Caltrans (California) and several vehicles with alternative propulsion solutions already delivered to the USA.
Until now, the train sets operated by Metropolitan Rail (Metra), often double-decker and mostly diesel-powered, have had more the elegance of furniture vans. Now, the transit authority plans to deploy the initial eight two-car trainsets, which can later be expanded to three- or four-car sets, on the Rock Island line between Joliet and Lasalle Streets in the city center.
In the future...
In accordance with the American Buy America Act, the vehicles will be built in the United States. The battery-powered trains will also be designed to meet all accessibility standards (Americans with Disabilities Act) and those of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The trains ordered by Metra will be built to withstand winter conditions and are therefore suitable for Chicago's harsh winters. Features include efficient climate control, including underfloor heating in the boarding areas, as well as special insulation and well-sealed engine rooms to protect the drive systems.
H2 unit. Photos: Stadlerrail.
Martin Ritter, CEO of Stadler US: “Our BEMU technology supports transit operators like Metra in their efforts to bring public transportation in the US up to the latest technological standards. We are thrilled to be manufacturing these trains for the greater Chicago area.”
Metra CEO Jim Derwinski: “In addition to the environmental benefits and noise reduction, they could also play a key role in our vision of offering more frequent, all-day service.”
The battery-powered vehicles operate both with and without overhead lines and recharge while driving or braking.
As previously reported, Stadler was awarded a contract by the Californian rail operator Caltrain in 2023 to develop the first battery-electric double-decker train for the US, designed for low-emission operation on partially electrified lines.
Typical terminal station (Ogilvie Stn.). Photo: J. Atherton
In addition, Stadler finalized the delivery of 29 hydrogen-powered trains for the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and Caltrans in October 2023. The first order comprises four hydrogen trains, and a firm order for six more hydrogen trains was placed by early 2024.
