Partnership with The Chicago Transit Authority

Built for Chicago. CRRC Sifang is proud to build the next generation of railcars for Chicago’s millions of riders.

As the second largest public transportation system in the United States, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides 1.6 million rides daily to commuters in more than 70 Chicago neighborhoods and 35 surrounding suburbs.

In 2016, CRRC Sifang was awarded a contract, for up to $1.3 billion, by the CTA to supply more than 840 new 7000 Series railcars, which will replace approximately half of the agency’s current fleet. CRRC Sifang is expected to produce the 7000 Series cars for CTA over a 10-year period – with delivery of the first railcars in 2020.

Chicago’s 7000 Series Railcars

Reliable, passenger-friendly and responsive transit services are critical to maintaining the CTA’s position as a national and international leader in transit innovation.

CRRC Sifang incorporated CTA rider feedback in the design of its new railcars. The new 7000 Series railcars will feature a sleek, modern design, comfortable and accessible seating – less than half the seats will face the aisles – and the most up-to-date technologies, creating a smoother and more efficient ride.

The new railcars will save the CTA approximately $7 million annually in maintenance costs alone.

$100 Million Investment

Headquartered in Chicago, CRRC recently completed a $100 million state-of-the-art production facility on city’s southeast side, returning railcar manufacturing to Chicago after a 50-year absence.

Located at 13535 South Torrence Avenue, the new facility encompasses a total area of approximately 45 acres and transformed an underutilized property into a thriving hub, creating jobs and driving ancillary development in the community.

New Jobs

CRRC Sifang America (CRRC) currently employs approximately 100 employees in a variety of positions at its new facility in Chicago. As production ramps up, the number of employees hired at the facility will increase. The individuals employed at the Chicago facility include a wide array of professions, including engineers, human resources, procurement, administrative professionals and numerous skilled production professionals who assemble the passenger railcars.

CRRC Sifang has established partnerships with community organizations to develop and conduct workforce development training programs for local residents. This includes developing apprenticeships and training programs for frontline workers in Chicago’s rail assembly industry.

CRRC Sifang’s community partners include City Colleges of Chicago, the Calumet Area Industrial Commission, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134, and Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 73.