CTA will renovate and upgrade all 257 of the 3200-series railcars, originally purchased in 1992-1993 from Morrison-Knudsen (with bodyshells built by Mafersa of Brazil). The overhauls “will extend the life of the railcars and improve their performance, efficiency, and reliability,” CTA said, by replacing or rebuilding many major components, including propulsion and power systems; doors and door motors; wheels, trucks, axles, and traction motors; fluorescent lighting, which will be replaced with LED lighting. Contracts were awarded last year for heating and cooling units; and auxiliary power supply units.
CTA will install new color LED destination signs, similar to those found on the its newest generation of railcars, the 5000-series, which are in service on the Pink, Green, Yellow, Red, and Purple lines. The 3200-series operate on the Orange and Brown lines.
In total, the CTA will invest more than $166 million in the 3200-series fleet overhaul, which will improve reliability and lower repair and maintenance costs. ““These improvements to the 3200-series cars, combined with the new 5000-series cars we continue to introduce, will provide the CTA one of the most reliable rail fleets in years,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “When overhaul work is complete in 2017, our new and overhauled railcars will comprise 70% of the our fleet, providing our customers with an improved ride.”
In addition to the new 5000-series railcars (now being delivered by Bombardier) and the 3200-series overhauls, the CTA is also planning for the next generation of railcars, the 7000-series, and will seek bids from manufacturers for those cars this year.