ROCHELLE, Ill. -- An Illinois-based rail car company has been awarded a $352 million contract to build high speed passenger cars for California.
Nippon Sharyo, the rail car manufacturing company, is to build 130 passenger rail cars that will be delivered throughout the Midwest and California starting in 2015. The multi-state deal means California will buy 42 rail cars and the Midwest coalition will buy 88 cars operating out of Chicago.
The new stainless steel two-level cars are designed for operation at speeds up to 125 mph and will increase capacity of Chicago-based trains significantly.
"What you all are doing is historic. You're providing the next generation of transportation not just for Illinois but for America," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Governor Pat Quinn's Office says the rail car deal will result in 250 jobs at the Rochell, Illinois factory.
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