The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Chicago Federation of Labour (CFL), has launched the ‘Build Chicago’ partnership to rebid a $2bn project to add 846 new 7,000-series railcars.
The move forms a part of CTA’s ongoing modernisation of its rail fleet.
As well as replacing a number of ageing railcars with the 7,000-series model, CTA will also include a US employment provision that will ask bidders to provide the number and type of new jobs they will create.
Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel said: "Our goal is to help create as many US job opportunities as possible and to encourage local opportunities wherever possible.
"Additionally, we believe this will increase competition among bidders and result in the best prices and highest quality product for CTA customers."
The CTA originally sought bids for the 7,000-series cars in 2013, but received only two bid submissions.
It decided to seek new offers, in order to encourage a wide range of bids from railcar manufacturers around the world.
CFL president Jorge Ramirez said: "This approach to transit procurement, as outlined by the Jobs to Move America coalition, creates more competition between companies vying to create good American jobs. This programme further demonstrates Mayor Emanuel’s commitment to bringing high-quality, high-paying jobs to Chicago and the region."
