Metra, the commuter operator in Chicago metropolitan area, will reissue its request for proposals (RFP) for new railcars and opening it up to alternative car designs after it received only one response to its initial RFP for new bi-level gallery cars.
“Opening up our request to alternative designs will foster competition between more car builders, which potentially will result in better pricing, a more modern car and a better experience for our customers,” said Metra CEO Jim Derwinski.
Instead of requesting proposals only for new gallery cars, such as those now in use on Metra lines with an opening between levels, the new RFP will allow proposals for other designs. Several manufacturers make alternative cars that are used by other commuter railroads in North America and around the world.
Metra’s initial railcar RFP was issued in April 2017. It would have provided for 75 new gallery railcars with an option to purchase additional cars depending on responses to the RFP, the amount of funding available and whether Metra could use financing to maximize funding.
Only CRRC Sifang America, responded to the RFP. As a result, Metra staff recommended issuing a new RFP open to other designs. Metra hopes the new request will encourage manufacturers of different style cars to compete for Metra’s business and result in the purchase of cars that are the most modern, most comfortable and best value.
Share on:
