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The Chicago Transit Board yesterday approved a contract amendment to improve lighting to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the newest generation of rail cars, the 5000 series, to be used by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). The board also increased the total order of the 5000 series cars that Bombardier Transit Corp. is manufacturing to 714.

The amended contract will enable the CTA to increase the order by eight additional cars and more quickly replace aging cars, agency officials said in a prepared statement.

CTA has taken delivery of 202 of the cars and has placed 192 in service. The new cars been fully rolled out on the Pink Line and are being added to the Red and Green lines. The cars in CTA's possession will have fluorescent lighting systems replaced by LEDs and the new cars will have LEDs installed at Bombardier's plant prior to shipment. The LEDs use less energy, are brighter and have a longer life expectancy.

To cover the cost of the improvements, the CTA will apply a spare parts credit and make an accelerated payment to Bombardier. CTA officials anticipate taking delivery of all 5000 series cars by 2015's end.