# Metra shows first North American battery-powered train > Chicago's Metra displays prototype battery train, a North American first, for public inspection. - Title: Metra shows first North American battery-powered train - Summary: Chicago's Metra displays prototype battery train, a North American first, for public inspection. Metra will operate North America's first battery-powered… - Keywords: metra, battery-powered train, rock island line, blue island, stadler, flirt trains, lithium-ion batteries, 2028, la salle street station, chicago, news, local - Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/transportation/2026/10/14/metra-battery-powered-train-stadler-lasalle-station - Published: 2026-10-14T20:51:11.897+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: metra, battery-powered train, rock island line, blue island, stadler, flirt trains, lithium-ion batteries, 2028, la salle street station, chicago, news, local ## Metra shows battery train prototype Chicago's Metra displays North America's first battery-powered train for public inspection at LaSalle Street Station through Thursday evening. > Metra’s battery-powered train could start running in 2028. ## Train features modern interior The single-level passenger car has green and blue paint, modern seats, luggage racks, tables for four, and an engineer cab at one end. > Each single-level passenger car is painted green and blue. ## Battery car connects passenger cars A short car filled with lithium-ion batteries connects between the two passenger cars, with a narrow hallway for passengers to pass through. > A short car filled with lithium-ion batteries connects between the two passenger cars. ## Public can inspect train until Thursday The public can examine the train inside and out at LaSalle Street Station in the Loop through 6 p.m. Thursday. > The public can examine the machine, inside and out, at the LaSalle Street Station in the Loop through 6 p.m. Thursday. ## Train to run on Rock Island line Metra plans to put the battery-powered trains into service on its Rock Island line to Blue Island starting in March 2028. > The public could start riding the train in March 2028, when it will be put into use on Metra’s Rock Island line to Blue Island. ## Trains quieter than diesel The battery-powered trains are quieter than diesel locomotives, causing fewer ground vibrations for South Side homes near the tracks. > The battery-powered trains Metra plans to put into service are much quieter than the diesel locomotives the commuter railroad uses now. ## Metra CEO says route ideal for batteries Metra CEO Jim Derwinski says the 15-mile Rock Island line is perfect for battery-powered trains due to its shorter length. > The 15-mile route, shorter than other Metra lines, is perfect for battery-powered trains, Metra CEO Jim Derwinski said. ## Trains have 70-mile capacity Each battery-powered train has a 70-mile capacity, is quieter, and causes fewer ground vibrations than diesel locomotives. > The trains have a 70-mile capacity, are quieter and cause fewer ground vibrations than the diesel locomotives now used. ## Metra spends $234 million on trains Metra is spending $234 million to purchase the train and seven more expected to be delivered by the end of 2028. > Metra is spending $234 million to purchase this train and seven more expected to be delivered by the end of 2.028, according to Metra spokesman Michael Gillis. ## Additional cars with restrooms When in service, each train will have two additional single-level passenger cars with restrooms tucked between the outer cars. > When they go into service, each train will have two additional, single-level passenger cars equipped with restrooms, Gillis said. ## Stadler builds FLIRT trains Stadler USA built the train, which is a FLIRT train (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) similar to ones in Europe. > Stadler has built similar battery-powered trains in Europe. The company calls them FLIRT trains, short for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. ## Trains limited to 79 mph The battery-powered trains will be limited to 79 mph, the current speed limit for Metra trains. > The trains can go fast, and are similar to ones expected to be used by the proposed O’Hare Flyer. But they will be limited to 79 mph, the current speed limit for Metra trains, Gillis said. ## Train needs federal testing After installing batteries, the train will go to Colorado for federal testing before passenger service begins. > The train on display is not ready for public use, as it lacks batteries, Gillis said. After those are installed, the train will go to Colorado for extensive federal testing before it will be allowed to carry passengers. ## Key takeaway Metra will operate North America's first battery-powered trains on its Rock Island line starting in March 2028 after federal testing in Colorado.