Daily Herald opinion: Metra’s new trainset project provides glimpse of an exciting future

The sleek, slim train that participants in the American Public Transportation Association conference see next week no doubt will be as impressive looking as Metra Executive Director Jim Derwinski predicts.

“This vehicle will look like nothing that’s ever been operated in this region,” Derwinski told our Marni Pyke for a story published Monday. “When you go in there, you’re going to say, ‘Wow.’ Then, you’re going to say, ‘Can I go for a ride?’”

But the train Metra is unveiling promises more than just a more futuristic look. It’s also a promise that that future will feature more economical, more comfortable, more environmentally responsible rail travel.

With the help of a $169 million federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement grant, Metra purchased the technology for eight battery-operated trains under a $154 million contract with a Salt Lake City company that includes a $181.4 million option for eight additional trainsets and up to 32 trailer cars that could be attached.

When the units are in-service in late 2027 or early 2028, Metra officials said they will provide the same level of service as now or better, but more important, they also may help the transit agency fulfill a goal of more frequent trans running all-day.

It is a vision that is as realistic as it is welcome. Battery-operated trains already are running in Germany, France, Australia and elsewhere. And they are being invoked here for important projects involving both passenger rail and freight.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning emphasized their value in a review of issues involving the merger of the Union Pacific and Northern Suffolk railways. A private group of investors is touting the idea of The O’Hare Flyer to provide a battery-powered high-speed connection between downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.

The trainset that Metra will have on display still must undergo months of testing at the Federal Railroad Administration’s Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado.

Chicago-area residents can get a look at the APTA convention beginning Sunday and running through Oct. 7, and later Metra will have it on display at one of its stations, probably LaSalle.

Derwinski said, “We’re very excited to see the process of this particular program and invite the public to come and see it.”

They have reason to be excited, as do we all. You can learn more at metra.com.