CSR Sifang America, a subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), has been granted a $1.3 billion order to supply more than 800 railcars to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). This is the largest Midwest train order recorded ever in history.

CSR Sifang America, which is a joint venture of CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co Ltd and CSR America, will officially supply CTA with new railcars. The 7000 series will reportedly appear just the same as those that have been running since the 1980s - the 2600-series. They will reportedly be assembled locally at a newly constructed plant.

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The agreement is expected to create employment for nearly 170 workers, including electricians and mechanical engineers, according to Brian Steele, a representative from CTA.

Meanwhile, another subsidiary of CRRC is constructing railway vehicles in Springfield, Massachusetts, following an agreement with local transport authorities to produce more than 280 railcars for the transit system in Boston.

It has been a decade since the CTA ordered its last batch of railcars from Canada's Bombardier Inc., which was outbid by CRRC's CSR Sifang America by nearly $226 million this time, according to officials. The process began in 2013, but the bidding garnered some interest that a revised tender was necessary. The tender was re-launched in 2014.

The delivery of the railcars' prototype to the CTA is scheduled for 2019, and service is expected to begin by 2020. China Daily reports that by 2024, base orders of over 400 railcars are expected to be delivered, with options for an additional 446 vehicles thereafter.

According to Steele, the recent buy will replace at least half of the railcars in Chicago, making it the youngest rail fleet in the US. The initiative will also drop the average age of its railcars from 26 years in 2011 to 13 years once the order is complete. Aside from that, it will also save the some $7 million per year for maintenance expenses.

The new 7000 series will run at 112 kilometers per hour. Moreover, it will be equipped with LED lighting, air conditioners, and passenger information center. It will also have a different seating arrangement with more space for standing room, especially during peak hours.

TagsChicago Transit Authority, CSR Sifang America, CRRC, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, railway