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On Oct. 11, Metra board members approved a $74 million order for 26 new bi-level commuter rail cars to be used exclusively on the northeast Illinois commuter railroad’s Electric District.



Sumitomo Corporation of America will supply car shells and components, and Super Steel in Milwaukee will assemble the cars.



Metra officials expect to begin testing a prototype car in 2004, and phasing in the full order of Highliners in 2005.



At the same meeting, board members approved the agency’s preliminary 2003 budget, which includes $397 million for planned capital improvements compared with 2002’s $371 million.



In 2003, Metra plans to spend $166 million on rolling stock; $63 million on infrastructure improvements; $62 million on system extensions and expansions; and $41 million on station and parking improvements.



Last year, the agency’s budget included $118 million for rolling stock; $38.8 for bridge rehabilitation; $81 million for extensions and expansions; and $53 million for parking improvements.



Unlike last year, Metra’s 2003 preliminary budget does not include any fare increases.