The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has unveiled the city’s new 5000-series railcars, which will run on the Pink Line after completing prototype testing.
The new car is the first of the 706 railcars ordered from Bombardier Transportation by CTA to replace the existing railcars, which are between 32 and 41 years old.
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The rail cars are being replaced at a cost of $1.1bn, which will be funded primarily by a CTA bond with the remaining $150m to be paid through US Government funds.
The new Bombardier Transportation railcar will feature isle-facing seating that will allow more space for customers carrying backpacks, packages, luggage, strollers, bikes and wheelchairs.
The cars will have LED displays with larger text-size signs for scrolling destinations on the exterior of the lead car, while LED signs on the interior will display the next stop, date and time.
The same signs will be used for a text display of the audio announcements in the railcars.
The train’s location will be indicated via a system map with LED lights above the doors.
