advertisement

---

On Wednesday, the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) authorized a plan to issue revenue bonds for 406 new rail cars ordered in 2006 at a cost of $674 million. The bond amount is not to exceed $550 million, CTA said.

The authority’s contract with Bombardier Transportation includes options that could increase the total number of cars ordered to 706. The cars will replace vehicles that are 30 to 40 years old, such as 2200-series Budd cars purchased in 1969-70 and 2400-series Boeing-Vertol cars purchased in 1976-78.

CTA is testing prototypes of the cars, which will feature security cameras, aisle-facing seating and AC-traction motor propulsion.

“The new rail cars are much needed as CTA looks to upgrade its fleet and infrastructure,” said CTA President Richard Rodriguez in a prepared statement.
 
Meanwhile, the authority’s board also appointed Brad Jansen acting general counsel to replace Kent Ray, who is joining the state’s attorney’s office.

Most recently serving acting deputy general counsel-labor, policy and appeals, Jansen has held several positions since joining CTA in 1996, including managing attorney-labor, policy and appeals, deputy general counsel-labor, managing attorney-general law and chief attorney-corporate law.