Metra awards equipment contract to Wabtec

Metra has awarded a contract to Wabtec Corp. to supply the Chicago commuter railroad with brakes, passenger access doors, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and and event recorders for 200 new rail cars.

The company will provide 800 double doorways and 400 single doorways, which include the new DLC Next door control unit, one of the "most modern" door control systems in the world, Wabtec officials said a news release.

Featuring touchless buttons, the control unit enables acoustic sealing of cabin end-doors and is designed to allow for 80% commonality between all types of doors for easier maintenance easier.

Wabtec will install 400 passenger HVAC systems, which will include an energy management system.

In addition, the company will supply its FastBrake microprocessor-controlled braking system along with wheel slide protection. This system will allow interoperability with existing fleet cars.