Emanuel, Claypool roll out 706 new CTA train cars with $1.1 billion price tag

The CTA is introducing 706 new train cars.

(CHICAGO) – The CTA yesterday rolled out 706 new train cars costing $1.137 billion. The first of these new rail cars are entering revenue service on the Pink Line, marking the first time there has been an addition to the rail fleet since 1992.

“The CTA remains the primary mode of transportation for many residents of Chicago, and these new rail cars reflect the Agency’s commitment to its customers and to our city,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

The addition of these new cars to the fleet will allow CTA to retire some of its oldest cars which average between 32 and 41 years old.

“These cars have wider aisles and roomier interiors, electronic destination signs and security cameras in each car for enhanced safety,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool.

The rail cars feature an aisle-facing seating configuration which adds six inches to the narrowest portion of the aisle, allowing more room for customers carrying backpacks, packages, luggage, strollers and bikes.  The aisle-facing seating also provides space for an additional wheelchair position, increasing the total to two per car.

Additionally, the cars also have LED displays with larger text-size that will replace the scrolling destination signs on the exterior of the lead car.  The LED signs on the interior will display the next stop, date and time. Above the doors, there is a system map with LED lights that indicates the train’s present location as it travels along the route.

Each rail car has multiple security cameras and will eventually transmit real time video to CTA’s Control Center, the Office of Emergency Management and Communication and the Chicago Police Department.

The $1.137 billion cost is funded by two CTA bond issuances backed by sales tax receipts. The remainder is paid for by $150 million in federal funds.