A Metra bi-level train departs Chicago from Union Station. Credit: en:User:DR04.

Metra, a commuter railway in the US city of Chicago, has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to procure at least 200 railcars.

The commuter railway also seeks alternative rail car designs to address passenger needs more effectively than the existing bi-level gallery cars.

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The new rail cars are expected to accommodate more seats to enable Metra to cater to the growing ridership.

The interested manufacturers can also propose equipping rail cars with heated floors and WI-FI.

“Safety, reliability and an improved, modern passenger experience will be important aspects to Metra in this procurement.”

Metra CEO and executive director Jim Derwinski said: “We are excited to open this procurement up and explore all the alternative designs that may be proposed.

“Safety, reliability and an improved, modern passenger experience will be important aspects to Metra in this procurement.”

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The proposals will be due in August and the deal is expected to be finalised by the end of this year.

The order will also include the option to procure an additional 200 rail cars, subject to availability of funds.

Last month, Metra cleared a $70.9m contract to procure 15 locomotives to replace its older fleet.

The contract, awarded to Progress Rail Locomotives of La Grange, will involve upgrading existing EMD SD70MAC freight locomotives for passenger services.