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Last week, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) issued a request for proposals for new passenger cars.

The authority plans to place a base order of 206 cars, but several contract options could bring the total order to 706 cars. The proposal calls for vehicles featuring security cameras and aisle-facing seats, and operating on Alternating Current (AC) propulsion. CTA is converting from Direct Current to AC power to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs, according to a prepared statement.

CTA plans to open bids in mid-2005 and begin taking delivery of cars in 2008. Part of the authority’s long-term capital improvement plan, the new fleet will replace older cars.