The Trainsets will be One of the Nation’s First All-electric, Battery-powered Models
CHICAGO, IL – STV, a leading professional services firm that plans, designs and manages infrastructure projects across North America, today announced Chicago’s Metra Metropolitan Rail (Metra) selected the firm to provide procurement support for one of the nation’s first all-electric, battery-powered trainsets. STV will provide quality assurance, engineering and administrative services for Metra’s $154 million base order for eight battery-powered trainsets.
The two-car trainsets are part of a larger push in the transportation industry to provide more economical and environmentally-friendly options to commuters. The trainsets will feature low-level boarding and be equipped with lifts to make them ADA-compliant. Each two-car set will seat 112 people with trailer cars that can provide seating for 46 people. Additionally, amenities such as information signs, bike racks, luggage racks and USB outlets will be included.
“STV has a long-standing relationship providing various engineering and advisory services to Metra and is quickly becoming a leading provider of zero-emission engineering support for bus, and now rail transit, making us uniquely qualified to assist Metra with this initiative,” said Austin Longshore, senior engineer and project manager at STV. “We’re excited to partner with Metra on this innovative procurement that will be among the very first in the United States to leverage all-battery electric technology for passenger rail.”
A fully charged trainset is expected to have a range of 45 to 50 miles. Charging time will vary, but going from 20 percent to 80 percent, with a “fast” charge – enough for the trainset to operate – expected to take about 20 to 30 minutes.
STV has played a leading role in facilitating the transition to zero-emission technology for leading public agencies, including a wide range of technical consulting services for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority; designing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s first maintenance facility to accommodate zero-emission buses in Quincy; and helping to secure a $29.5 million Clean School Bus Grant for New York City School Bus Umbrella Services. The firm is also a recognized provider of vehicle procurement and engineering services for rail and transit projects throughout North America, including programs supporting some of the nation’s only dual-powered (electric and diesel) locomotives for NJ TRANSIT and MTA Metro-North Railroad in New York.
