CTA board approves Brown and Orange lines rail overhaul project

0
397

The Chicago Transit Authority Board on Sept. 10 approved the plan to completely rebuild the 3200-series, its second-oldest rail cars as part of its rail and bus fleet modernization program started in 2012. These cars presently run on the Orange and Brown lines.

The board has approved a $92 million contract for the materials needed for significant renovation of all 257 of the 3200-series rail cars purchased between 1992 and 1993. The project includes replacement or rebuilding of propulsion and power systems, doors and door motors, wheel trucks, axles and motors as well as LED light installation in place of fluorescent lighting. These will enable the cars to be more reliable with improved performance and efficiency, thus extending their life span.

The CTA’s contracts for the 3200-series overhaul project in 2013 included replacement of heating and cooling systems, auxiliary power supply units and new color LED signs.

“These improvements to the 3200-series cars, combined with the new 5000-series cars we continue to introduce, will provide the CTA one of the most reliable rail fleets in years,” said CTA president Forrest Claypool. “When overhaul work is complete in 2017, our new and overhauled rail cars will comprise 70 percent of the CTA’s rail car fleet, providing our customers with an improved rail ride.”

With the total investment of more than $166 million, the CTA will work on the 3200-series in-house.

The CTA is also planning for the next generation 7000-series rail cars for which bids from manufacturers will be opened this year.

Source: http://www.transitchicago.com/news/default.aspx?Month=&Year=&Category=2&ArticleId=3342

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.