Yup, Metra is up the creek due to state budget and finance issues. I'm not sure why they are going to state in the first place since the "R" in METRA was supposed to mean "Regional" funding, taxation and support for the system. Something a little askew there with system financing, in my view but hell I don't live in the state so what do I care? Perhaps they fear a local tax rebellion.
Anyhow, I would agree the average age of their equipment is getting fairly old but that 28 years old on average still leaves them some margin for future replacement.........that's not really old as far as railway equipment goes.
Buslist It's all going to be low bid anyway!
It's all going to be low bid anyway!
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
Buslist kevink While Metra has always been an EMD shop (almost entirely 645 models except for the three 710-powered F59PHs), won't any new locomotive have to be Tier 4 compliant? As far as the cars, I'm sure the spec will be written so that they will be clones of the last order.
kevink While Metra has always been an EMD shop (almost entirely 645 models except for the three 710-powered F59PHs), won't any new locomotive have to be Tier 4 compliant? As far as the cars, I'm sure the spec will be written so that they will be clones of the last order.
While Metra has always been an EMD shop (almost entirely 645 models except for the three 710-powered F59PHs), won't any new locomotive have to be Tier 4 compliant?
As far as the cars, I'm sure the spec will be written so that they will be clones of the last order.
Tier 4 will probably require a new generation of engine, but the alternator and traction motor similarity to previous locomotives/inventory will be a strong reason to prefer EMD.
I wouldn't be surprised if they picked up some F59PHIs from the West Coast once the Chargers enter service.
There are various funding issues involved which currently preclude larger locomotive and car orders. The small car order proposal is all that can be currently managed and may also serve as a placeholder should funding for larger orders become available.
blue streak 1 Old news but Metra putting out a request for proposals for 1. Locos - Wonder if this will be another win for Siemens. It certainly would seem they have an inside track. Siemens might even be able to deliver early ? 2. cars - Seems to be a very small order for as end of life most of their cars are nearing. 25 + some additional 3. Big kicker at end of article. METRA has settled with N-S (Nippon) to cancel an option to have N-S build some 21 passenger cars by delivering just 7. N-S's problems seem to just keep building ? https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-seek-proposals-new-cars-engines
Old news but
Metra putting out a request for proposals for
1. Locos - Wonder if this will be another win for Siemens. It certainly would seem they have an inside track. Siemens might even be able to deliver early ?
2. cars - Seems to be a very small order for as end of life most of their cars are nearing. 25 + some additional
3. Big kicker at end of article. METRA has settled with N-S (Nippon) to cancel an option to have N-S build some 21 passenger cars by delivering just 7. N-S's problems seem to just keep building ?
https://metrarail.com/about-metra/newsroom/metra-seek-proposals-new-cars-engines
1. Doubt Siemens has an inside track on locomotives as METRA is and always has been an EMD shop. Siemens locos would require new parts inventory and training. But it will be low bid anyway.
3. Not sure that last item is such a problem for NS. Let's see they give METRA 7 cars (add on to the VRE build) to liquidate issues related to the electric cars and buy out the option for 21 cars at very low prices. Probably a win win on both sides.
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