RailNews Metra’s Board of Directors approved a plan on Wednesday to convert three old F40PH-3s to battery power. Metra Seeks Proposals to Build Battery-Powered F40PH By Passenger Train Journal Staff CHICAGO — Metra wants three battery-powered F40PH-3 locomotives within the next three years. On Wednesday, the commuter agency’s board of directors approved the issuance of a request for proposals that will ask manufacturers to convert three of its older F40PH locomotives to zero-emission battery power. The agency also released a rendering of the paint scheme the locomotives will wear. The request for proposal will be issued in the next few days and the contract will be awarded in the fall. Once the contract is awarded, the builder will have 30 months to deliver the first locomotive.