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Yesterday, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool helped unveil new 5000-series rail cars, marking the first time the agency has added new cars to its rail fleet since 1992, CTA officials said in a prepared statement.

After a prototype test period, the first of the 706 Bombardier Transportation-built cars will enter service on the agency’s Pink Line. As more cars continue to arrive, they will be tested internally to ensure proper operation before entering service, CTA officials said.

“For Chicago to grow, continue attracting new businesses and increase the quality of life for all Chicagoans, we must continue to invest in public transportation, improving transit infrastructure and expanding service,” Emanuel said.

The new cars will allow CTA to retire some of the oldest cars in its fleet. The $1.14 billion cost is being funded by federal funds and two CTA bond issuances backed by sales tax receipts, CTA officials said.