Metra Cancels Plans To Replace Its Oldest Bi-Levels
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Metra cancels plans to replace its oldest bi-levels with new commuter rail cars, after the ongoing budgetary standoff in Springfield and lack of a statewide capital construction program.
Riders are still expected to get a handful of new cars.
Initially, Metra wanted to buy 367 new bi-level cars, WBBM's Bob Roberts reports. Now, they are negotiating to buy 21 cars in a $52.5 million deal, an option a Virginia-based commuter rail agency did not need. The two agencies operate identical equipment, which will be built in Rochelle and delivered in 2018.
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The manufacturer, Nippon Sharyo, has built several-hundred Metra commuter rail cars, including the 160 recently delivered Electric District Highliner cars. Nippon Sharyo also has built the commuter rail cars operated by the South Shore Line.
Because state funds are unavailable, Metra is drawing from three other pots of money to pay for the 21 bi-levels: $30 million in RTA bonds, $835 million set aside from its 2015 fare hike and $13.5 million in federal funding.
Metra CEO, Don Orseno said the price of $2.5 million a piece is $800,000 less, per car, than what Metra was originally quoted for in the new contract. This leaves the agency with another 346 cars, some of which are 60-years old, that Orseno would like to replace.
WBBM asked Orseno if any similar purchases are possible.
"We're looking, as always," Orseno said. "But if there is another opportunity we will do everything we can to seize the opportunity."
These opportunities could include cast-off cars from other commuter rail agencies. Orseno said Metra also wants to increase its capacity to refurbish bi-levels and locomotives.
