The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors approved an $810.93 million contract with CAF USA Inc. to manufacture and deliver 102 Type 10 light-rail vehicles and supporting materials and equipment as part of the Green Line Transformation Project.
“This is an incredible moment that marks an inflection point for the MBTA’s Green Line riders as we continue to work to transform the entire line,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Not only will the Type 10 supercars provide more capacity and a roomier ride for what is the nation’s busiest light-rail line, but they also include the latest safety technology, updated accessibility improvements and other upgrades that improve the rider experience.”
The Green Line Type 10 supercars will replace the Green Line’s Type 7 and 8 fleets. They will feature seven modules and be 40 feet longer than current Green Line vehicles. The Type 10 supercars will be equipped with wider door openings, state-of-the-art technology, enhanced communication systems, which include audiovisual information screens, and the latest generation of crash-safety technology. Additionally, the design includes a closed operator’s cab with increased visibility, which eliminates the likelihood of extraneous distractions and improves the safety for everyone on board.
The 100 percent low-floor vehicles have improved accessibility features throughout including the elimination of all stairs, a 32-inch clear aisle width throughout the vehicle, bridge plates at all double-leaf doors and four priority areas for passengers using wheeled mobility devices.
“The Type 10 Supercars bring us closer to increasing safety, accessibility and capacity for the Green Line,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “We strive to align our projects with our vision for the future of the Green Line as well as several levels of transformation, including our goal of enhancing accessibility through long-term investments. Securing this contract for the Supercars advances our commitment to improving the Green Line and providing our riders with the best quality of service possible.”
‘Supercar’ delivery timeline
CAF USA was determined to be the best value by the MBTA’s selection committee, which took recommendations based on feedback provided by a technical evaluation team, as well as an independent price evaluation team. The base contract includes the 102 vehicles, two operator training simulators, capital spares, manuals, test equipment, special tools, training and training aides, as well as a three-year full vehicle warranty.
Currently, the Type 10 vehicles are in the procurement phase with the design phase scheduled to begin in fall 2022. The supercars will be in design for a few years before pilot vehicles are introduced to the system, which is anticipated in the spring of 2026.
The first production vehicle is expected one year later in the spring of 2027. MBTA anticipates a delivery rate of two vehicles per month through the spring of 2031 when the final Type 10 supercar will be delivered.
“We look forward to beginning the supercar design phase this fall and receiving the first pilot vehicles in spring 2026,” added Poftak.
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.
