ALSTOM awarded follow-on order for Chicago subway car
refurbishment

ALSTOM has been awarded an order worth 52 million euros to
refurbish 96 subway cars for the Chicago Transit Authority
(CTA). This order represents the first option exercised by the
CTA under a base contract signed with ALSTOM in December 1997,
worth 162 million euros, and which provided for the overhaul of
284 cars, with three options for an additional 314
vehicles.

The refurbishment of the cars will extend the operating life
of the rolling stock to thirty years. To date, ninety cars have
been refurbished under the base contract and shipped to the CTA
. The work is three months ahead of contract schedule.

The cars are being fitted with an upgraded propulsion system
and an advanced cab signal system. The interior refurbishment
work includes the installation of air conditioning, a public
address system and improved lighting. The latest order includes
two additional improvements, to be implemented starting with
the 101st car: adding vandal shield to the windows, and
installing silicone cleats which will reduce the long term wear
on the high voltage cabling under the car.

The work is being carried out at ALSTOM's plant in Hornell,
New York, in batches of up to 40 cars so as not to disrupt
service.

This latest order further strengthens ALSTOM's position in
North America and follows orders for bi-level commuter cars for
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service, and for propulsion
equipment destined for the New York City subway and New Jersey
Transit's Hudson-Bergen line.