Metra's railcar RFP leaves door open to alternative designs
A request for proposals (RFP) was issued by Metra for at least 200 new push-pull commuter railcars, with the option to purchase an additional 200 if funding is available. The RFP allows manufacturers to propose alternative car designs that may address Metra's needs better than the bi-level gallery cars that have been used in Chicago for nearly 70 year.
“We are excited to open this procurement up and explore all the alternative designs that may be proposed,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Safety, reliability and an improved, modern passenger experience will be important aspects to Metra in this procurement.”
Metra notes that some available alternative car designs have lower, platform-level boarding that could benefit ADA customers and families with strollers when boarding and detraining. Others have different side-loading door configurations that could potentially decrease the time it takes passengers to board and exit the train, which could also speed train trips.
Chief among the considerations for the new cars is increased seating capacity as yard space and platform length limit the number and length of trains that can operate on Metra's system. The railroad explains that increasing the seating capacity is a relatively fast and efficient way to meet increased ridership demand within existing physical confines.
Metra is also looking to create the most efficient passenger flow possible through the interior design of seats, aisles, stairwells and doors. The RFP requires seats to have arm rests and cup holders. USB ports, foot rests, tray tables and heated floors are options that can be proposed by manufacturers.
The new cars also must include bike racks for two to five bikes, a camera/DVR system for the passenger area and LED lighting. Onboard Wi-Fi may be proposed as an option; but if the proposal does not include Wi-Fi, there must be provisions for it to be added later.
Proposals will be due in August and Metra hopes to finalize a deal by the end of the year. Metra will hold a pre-proposal meeting April 24-25 for companies interested.
Fleet renewal is a key focus of Metra's 2019 Capital Program. Earlier this year, the Metra Board approved the purchase of 15 remanufactured locomotives with the option to buy 27 additional locomotives.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
