On February 2, the Northeast Illinois rail operator, Metra, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the design and production of new railcars as part of the agency’s 10-year, USD 2.4 billion modernization plan. Metra intends to purchase 367 new railcars and, once the vendor is selected, the estimated time to ramp up production is expected to be about 24 months, with Metra expected to take delivery of the first cars in 2018.
A pre-proposal conference will be held on March 3, 2016 and the poposals should be submitted on June 8, 2016.
Metra anticipates that the modernization plan will be funded by state and federal sources, USD 400 million in Metra borrowing and possibly new financing strategies and alternative financing mechanisms. The agency’s 2016 Budget provides funding to begin purchasing 10 new railcars. If needed state funding becomes available, under this new contract, as many as 106 new cars could be delivered between 2018 and 2019 and 261 cars additional cars could be delivered between 2020 and 2024.
Another RFP for new locomotive engines is expected to be issued when funding for those engines is secured and allocated.
“This is a major step forward as we begin the second year of our long-range rolling stock plan – the first in Metra history. Replacing and rehabilitating railcars and locomotives will help Metra to continue to provide high-quality, reliable and comfortable service to customers for years to come,” Metra Chairman Martin J. Oberman said.
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