Historic Order for KIEPE in Chicago

• KIEPE will modernize 266 - 3200 Series multiple units with new traction system equipment 
• An additional 210 - 2600 Series multiple units are available to be exercised by the CTA as an option 
• Modern drive technology reduces energy consumption, required maintenance and lowers life cycle costs 
• The estimated order volume for the base order is $36M USD 
• Local production: the kits will be manufactured at KIEPE's US facility in Alpharetta, Georgia and in full compliance with Buy America requirements 

KIEPE, a global supplier of electrical systems for trains and buses, has demonstrated its modernization expertise and will supply new propulsion kits for an initial order of 266 vehicles (3200 Series) for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). At the CTA’s discretion, they may exercise up to an additional 210 vehicles (2600 Series). With this investment, the CTA will extend the useful life of its tried-and-tested railcars and strengthen sustainable mobility in Chicago. The first modernized railcars are scheduled to enter regular revenue service in 2027.  

Alexander Ketterl, Managing Director of KIEPE: "In the USA, I was delighted to see how sustainable public and regional transport is increasingly coming into focus. With its expertise, KIEPE can reliably contribute to the implementation of these transportation projects, and we are very much looking forward to the joint rail project with CTA. The new traction systems for CTA will be manufactured at our Alpharetta site. Our motivated team of professionals wants to impress the CTA with reliable technology and flexible service." 

Daria Baryshnikova, Head of Modernization at KIEPE: "We are thrilled to announce this significant project win, which highlights our expertise in delivering cutting-edge upgrades for existing railway vehicles. Our highly specialized team of experts is dedicated to enhancing the reliability and efficiency of our customers' fleets, ensuring these vehicles can continue to serve the needs of the public. By choosing to invest in the modernization of their current assets, the CTA is making a sustainable and economically sound decision. We are excited to support them on this journey and to demonstrate the transformative impact that our advanced traction systems can provide." 

Kiepe Electric LLC, Alpharetta, GA, will supply the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) with 266 Modernization Kits (“Propulsion Modernization Kit”) for their 3200 series railcars (delivered between 1992 and 1994). The estimated order volume for this basic order is $36M USD. The CTA has the sole discretion to exercise an option for an additional 210 kits from Kiepe Electric for their 2600 series railcars (delivered between 1981 and 1987). The kits will be built at KIEPE’s Alpharetta, Georgia, USA manufacturing facility in accordance with Buy America requirements. 

One aim of the upcoming modernization project is to reduce the future maintenance and consequently the life cycle costs of the vehicles. This is because efficient drive technology can significantly reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the vehicles. With this order from the CTA, KIEPE is further expanding its position in public transportation in the greater Chicago metroplex, as METRA, a sister Agency to the CTA already relies on KIEPE technology (battery chargers for their double-decker commuter cars).