The operator of Chicago’s suburban rail system, Metra, has received a $169.3 million grant for the purchase of zero-emission battery-powered trains, this is reported by the railway transport news portal, Railway Supply.

Acquire Battery-Powered Trains

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding was approved by the Chicago Department of Planning and the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee to support the acquisition of up to 16 train sets.

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Battery-powered trains will introduce a new type of propulsion to Metra’s fleet, enabling quicker acceleration and braking compared to traditional trains.

Metra envisions that trains with lower capacity can provide more cost-effective and environmentally friendly services, particularly during off-peak hours.

This move aligns with Metra’s vision of offering more frequent daily regional rail services.

Furthermore, it allows Metra to retire some of its older diesel locomotives, which have a more significant environmental impact.

The operator is likely to introduce these new trains on the Rock Island line to help improve air quality in economically disadvantaged areas on the south side of Chicago.

Photo: Chicago Metra.

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