![Rendering of new commuter rail cars](https://www.trains.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/TRN_Metra_Wabtec.jpg)
PITTSBURGH — Wabtec will supply components for a Metra order for new passenger cars, the company announced today. Included are brakes; passenger doors; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and event recorders.
The 200-car order for new bilevel cars is being built by Alstom under a contract approved by the Metra board earlier this year [see “Metra approves order for 200 new passenger cars …,” Trains News wire, Jan. 14, 2021].
“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 in a press release. “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 … throughout the greater Chicagoland area.”
Components will include 800 double doorways and 400 single doorways, with door control systems including touchless buttons, and the FastBrake microprocessor-controled braking system which will be interoperable with existing cars in the Metra fleet.