Metra, Chicagoland’s commuter rail, unveiled its new battery-powered trains which are expected to hit the rails in 2028. These trains are common throughout Europe, but Metra will be the first organization in North America to operate these innovative battery-powered trains.
Designed and manufactured by Stadler U.S in Salt Lake City, this model is part of their Fast Light Innovating Regional Train, or FLIRT, fleet. These new trains rely on onboard lithium-ion batteries which are cleaner and quieter than the trains operated by Metra today. These battery-powered trains will charge using existing cables in yards and terminals, and can recover energy through regenerative braking. Metra also intends to invest in a dedicated charging infrastructure.
Metra has an agreement to purchase eight trains with the option to purchase more after the initial launch. Unlike Metra’s current fleet, these new models will be single-level with low-level boarding and lifts to make them ADA compliant. They will come in four-car sets that can seat 208 people each and have open gangways so passengers can easily move car-to-car. The trains will also have bike racks, luggage racks, USB outlets and two ADA-accessible bathrooms.
Metra plans to put the trains into service in 2028, with the first of them running the 16-and-a-half mile stretch between LaSalle Street and Blue Island on the Beverly Branch of the Rock Island Line. These trains will play a key role in improving all-day service and connectivity for the Chicagoland region.
You can read more and take a look at the new trains here.
