Chinese company CRRC set to improve Chicago’s rail system

World Today

It’s a major revamp of the third busiest rapid transit system in the United States, with a Chinese company behind it. The project is set to kick off this week. And it’s not the first footprint this firm has in the U.S.

CGTN’s Frances Kuo reports.

Chicago’s “l”, dating back to 1897, is one of the world’s oldest transit systems. And now the chinese firm, CRRC, is helping to give it a facelift.

It won a contract worth more than a billion dollars. The aim is to build nearly 850 cars for Chicago’s rail system. CRRC also plans to put up a local factory, which is expected to create nearly 200 jobs.

This is CRRC’s second major contract in the U.S. In 2014, it was awarded a deal to build nearly 300 subway trains for Boston’s metro. Boston rail officials said they were attracted by CRRC’s high-quality products at affordable prices.

It is all part of an effort by Chinese rail firms to tap into overseas markets. And now, in the windy city, another Chinese footprint to help U.S. trains get back on track. The cars are expected to hit the rails by 2020.