Strukton Systems has received the order to equip all airport shuttles of the O’Hare Airport in Chicago with new propulsion systems. The order amounts to $ 2,5 million. The shuttles will be able to serve twenty years longer after the replacement of the outdated propulsion systems. The first vehicle will have been converted mid 2007.

The US transit company O’Hare Airport Transit Systems (OATS) is responsible for connecting the several terminals and the parking lot of the O’Hare Airport and employs fifteen shuttles to do so. The shuttles transport over 14 million of passengers each year.

Reusing vital components
The propulsion system of the shuttles has become outdated. Spare parts no longer being available, the system can no longer be maintained. The shuttles will however be able to serve another twenty years once Strukton Systems has replaced the propulsion system. Vital components from the existing propulsion system, such as the DC motors, will be reused for the new unit. The project requires a custom-made solution, which makes Strukton Systems pre-eminently the right party.

Canadian partner
A local service company was an important condition for OATS to have a European company perform the project. Strukton Systems is carrying out the project together with its Canadian partner Converteam. This Toronto based company is responsible for both the final assembly and the installation of the systems in the vehicles. Converteam is also the contact for OATS concerning servicing and maintenance.

Custom-made solutions
Strukton Systems distinghuishes itself in this market because of its capability of delivering custom-made solutions, also in the field of maintenance and system development in trains.