Chicago Prepares to Introduce Battery-Powered Commuter Trains
Chicago is preparing to make its commuter rail services cleaner with the introduction of battery-electric trains. Metra, the regional railroad serving the city and surrounding areas, has ordered eight new trainsets from Swiss manufacturer Stadler. The first trains are expected to begin carrying passengers by 2028. Unlike traditional diesel trains, the new trains will run on electricity stored in onboard lithium-ion batteries. This will allow Metra to operate passenger services without installing overhead electric wires along the railway line. The approach could help the agency reduce pollution while avoiding the high cost of upgrading existing railway infrastructure. The trains will…