The first of 24 new Green Line vehicles entered into regular service on Dec. 21 on the Massachussets Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The new car was launched into service at North Station and is the first addition to MBTA's Green Line fleet in 10 years.
With the addition of 24 new cars, the MBTA expects to improve overall reliability on the Green Line while also accommodating train frequency once the Green Line Extension project is complete.
CAF USA Inc. is scheduled to deliver the low-floor light-rail vehicles between December 2018 and the fall of 2019 under a $118-million contract with MBTA. CAF used two locations to complete this order, using its facility in Spain to manufacture the shells and frames with final assembly and testing occurring at its manufacturing plant in Elmira, N.Y.
The sliding doors reduce interference with passengers on platforms and improve boarding and exiting. The new cars feature a 10 percent increase in passenger capacity due to upgraded interior designs. Safety enhancements include the installation of the U.S.'s first Crash Energy Management (CEM) Structural Design on a light-rail vehicle, which is compatible with the existing Green Line fleet and forward-compatible with future fleets.
MBTA says that advanced truck designs include better braking hardware and capacity for reduced maintenance and better reliability, as well as thicker wheels for significantly reduced maintenance. Reliability will be further improved through the inclusion of dual auxiliary power systems.
“The new Green Line trolley is a strong indication that our efforts to make core system investments are working,” said Interim General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. “While this is only the first of 24 new cars, it’s a symbol of our efforts to focus the MBTA’s priorities around the needs of our customers.”
This is the second big vehicle-related news from MBTA this month, following news that the first two cars for MBTA's Orange Line were completed at CRRC MA's new facility.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
