Wabtec Corp. recently received an order for an undisclosed amount to supply Metra with brakes, passenger access doors, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and event recorder solutions for 200 new rail cars.
Metra is the commuter rail system serving the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.
“We are thrilled to begin work on this large-scale contract supplying the most advanced technology for doors, brakes, and HVAC to one of the world’s busiest commuter rail systems,” Lilian Leroux, Wabtec Transit president, said. “This new contract builds upon our position as a leading equipment manufacturer on both sides of the Atlantic and across the world, and will ensure safe, reliable, and timely passenger service to millions of riders over 1,200 miles of track and across more than 240 stations throughout the greater Chicagoland area.”
Wabtec will provide 800 double doorways and 400 single doorways. This includes the new DLC Next door control unit that features touchless buttons. It allows for 80 percent commonality between all types of doors, which makes maintenance easier, and enables acoustic sealing of cabin end-doors.
Wabtec will install 400 passenger HVAC systems and will supply its FastBrake microprocessor controlled braking system with the latest generation wheel slide protection.