Wabtec Corporation announced an order to improve passenger experience, reliability, and safety for Metra, the commuter rail system in the Chicago metropolitan area serving the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. The contract includes the latest brakes, passenger access doors, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and event recorder solutions for 200 new rail cars.

Wabtec 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. This solution includes touchless buttons to protect passenger’s health and safety. It also enables acoustic sealing of cabin end-doors and allows for 80-percent commonality between all types of doors making maintenance easier. It is one of the most reliable and robust door systems available in the industry.

The HVAC system will also provide another level of passenger comfort and safety. Wabtec will install 400 passenger HVAC systems, with an efficient energy management system.

In addition, Wabtec will supply its proven FastBrake microprocessor controlled braking system along with the latest generation wheel slide protection to provide optimum stopping distances in adverse conditions. This system will allow interoperability with existing fleet cars.

-via Press Release