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Yesterday, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) introduced prototypes of its new 5000-series rail cars. The agency will begin testing the cars in passenger service starting next week.

The 10 prototypes will enter service on the Red Line and be tested on all eight of CTA’s rail lines through the end of the year.

The new cars' exteriors are similar in appearance to CTA’s 3200-series cars, which operate on the Orange and Brown lines. The cars will replace CTA’s oldest cars, which are between 32 and 41 years old.

The new models feature seven networked security cameras per rail car and other additional safety features, such as glow-in-the-dark safety signs and floor strips outlining aisles and doorways, an event recorder system and door sensors.

The new cars also will feature regenerative braking technology and alternating current propulsion systems designed to reduce power consumption, authority officials said in a prepared statement.

CTA is using capital funds from the Federal Transit Administration and Illinois Department of Transportation in addition to revenue bonds to purchase the cars. The total cost of the 406-car order is $603.6 million.