Illinois Archives

Illinois

May 30, 2025 | Financial

Illinois could replace Regional Transportation Authority

Proposed bill filed in the state House of Representatives does not address looming budget shortfall, which could force closure of metro and commuter lines serving Chicago.

August 8, 2023 | North America

$US 873m of federal funding sought to support Chicago upgrades

Improvements to Chicago Union Station, and infrastructure in Chicago and Michigan, proposed in Chicago Hub Improvement Programme.

July 11, 2023 | Commuter Rail

Metra to introduce Chicago - Rockford passenger service

Services will be restored throughout the 145km line in late 2027.

August 10, 2021 | High-speed

Illinois to study Chicago - St Louis high-speed line

A new commission will present a ridership study for the route which will dramatically reduce journey times between key cities.

January 15, 2021 | North America

Metra orders 500 double-deck coaches from Alstom

CHICAGO commuter operator Metra has awarded Alstom a $US 1.8bn framework contract for the purchase of up to 500 double-deck commuter coaches, which includes an initial order for 200 coaches.

December 5, 2018 | Locomotives

Volkswagen emissions settlement funds new locomotives for Chicago’s Metra

ILLINOIS Environmental Protection Agency EPA announced on December 3 that funds from the US government’s multi-billion dollar settlement with Volkswagen for violations of the Clean Air Act will be used to fund the acquisition of low-emissions diesel locomotives for Chicago commuter rail operator Metra.

August 10, 2018 | North America

Nippon Sharyo to close US plant

NIPPON Sharyo announced on July 24 that its US subsidiary will close its rolling stock assembly plant in Rochelle, Illinois, at the end of this month due to a lack of orders.

November 10, 2017 | North America

Nippon Sharyo out, Siemens in for multi-state coach order

CALIFORNIA Department of Transportation confirmed on November 8 that Sumitomo Corporation of America will now work with Siemens instead of Nippon Sharyo to deliver a $US 371m order for 137 coaches for California and Illinois.

August 11, 2016 | North America

Metra suspends double-deck coach procurement

CHICAGO commuter rail operator Metra announced on August 9 that due to changes in the availability of capital required to fund its $US 2.4bn modernisation plan, the agency has temporarily suspended its search for a vendor to supply 367 double-deck coaches.