Metra cab cars

Metra cab cars
Name	Metra cab cars
Service	1984–present
Manufacturer	Bombardier Transportation; Kawasaki; Railtec; FMC
Family	Bi-level coach
Yearconstruction	1984–2010
Numberbuilt	150+
Formation	Cab car + locomotive or multiple-unit sets
Capacity	100–130 seated
Operator	Metra
Carbody	Stainless steel
Carlength	85 ft
Maxspeed	79 mph
Weight	120000–150000 lb

Metra cab cars are control-equipped bilevel passenger cars used by Metra on commuter routes in the Chicago region. Built by a succession of manufacturers including FMC Corporation, Kawasaki, and Bombardier, these vehicles enable push–pull operation with a locomotive at one end and a cab-equipped coach at the other, allowing rapid turnarounds at terminals such as Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center. They interface with locomotives like the EMD F40PH and MP36PH-3S and form an integral component of Metra Electric and other corridors' operational patterns.

Overview

Metra cab cars provide remote control capability for locomotives through a standardized multiple-unit control system compatible with EMD and GE power units, facilitating operations on lines such as the BNSF Railway corridor and the Union Pacific West Line. Derived from bilevel designs found in fleets operated by Caltrain, Sounder and GO Transit, these coaches emphasize rapid passenger flow for suburban commuters traveling between suburbs like Naperville and Elk Grove Village. Procurement decisions have involved agencies such as the Regional Transportation Authority and manufacturers responding to standards set by the FRA.

Design and Features

Cab cars feature stainless steel carbody shells, vestibule doors, and head-end control (HEC) systems derived from standards used by Amtrak and freight-compatible operations on lines owned by Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City. Interiors include high-density seating and ADA-compliant accessible seating areas aligning with guidelines from the ADA 1990 and equipment specified by agencies like the CTA for interface standards. Climate control systems were supplied by contractors linked to projects managed by the IDOT; braking systems typically use blended dynamic and pneumatic brakes similar to configurations in New Jersey Transit and Metrolink cars. Cab controls incorporate event recorders consistent with NTSB recommendations and communications suites compatible with Positive Train Control deployments mandated by federal statute.

Fleet and Models

Metra's cab car fleet comprises several generations: early cars built under license to FMC Corporation during the 1980s, mid-life builds by Kawasaki during the 1990s, and later bilevel cab units from Bombardier in the 2000s. Specific series mirror model distinctions seen in fleets like MBTA and LIRR bilevels, with seating layouts and restroom configurations varying across orders. Fleet numbering and assignment practices follow protocols established by the C&NW heritage and successor arrangements involving the Union Pacific on shared trackage.

Operations and Service Use

Cab cars enable push service, where a trailing locomotive propels the consist under engineer control from the cab car while maintaining power distribution and braking coordination similar to operations on the NJ Transit Morris & Essex lines. Metra operates cab cars on routes radiating from downtown terminals to suburban hubs including Waukegan, Kankakee, and Harvard. Timetabling and schedule adherence rely on quick terminal reversals at terminals such as LaSalle Street and turnaround procedures promulgated by dispatchers at the Metra Electric District Operations Center.

Safety and Regulations

Safety oversight of cab car operations involves compliance with the FRA crashworthiness standards, PTC implementation deadlines, and recommendations from the NTSB after incident investigations. Crash energy management features and cab structural reinforcement mirror adaptations adopted by Amtrak after high-profile accidents investigated by the NTSB, and Metra coordinates with the ICC for state-level safety reviews. Emergency egress, fire suppression, and wheelchair securement follow federal rules codified in statutes overseen by the USDOT.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Maintenance programs are conducted at Metra facilities including shops in Chicago and suburban yards in Aurora and Elgin, employing overhaul practices consistent with fleets maintained by SEPTA and VRE. Mid-life overhauls encompass HVAC replacement, refurbishment of seating sourced from vendors used by Caltrain, and retrofits for PTC hardware supplied under contracts with technology firms tied to Siemens and Alstom. Lifecycle management follows capital planning coordinated with the RTA and funding mechanisms involving the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program on occasion.

Incidents and Accidents

Cab cars have been involved in collisions and grade-crossing incidents similar to events investigated in cases involving Union Pacific freight or Canadian National freight movements. Investigations often engage the NTSB, the FRA, and local authorities such as the Chicago Police Department when events occur within municipal boundaries. Outcomes of investigations have led to operational changes, equipment retrofits, and procedural revisions coordinated with agencies including the ICC and safety advocacy groups such as Railway Supply Institute.

Category:Metra rolling stock