The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors recently awarded an $811 million contract to CAF USA Inc. to deliver 102 Green Line Type 10 “Supercar” trolleys.
The contract includes the manufacture and delivery of the vehicles as well as associated tools, testing, training, materials, equipment, and services.
The vehicles are in the procurement phase. They will go into the design phase this autumn and remain in the design stage for a few years before pilot vehicles are launched.
The supercars will be 40 feet longer than the current Green Line vehicles and include wider door openings to maximize passenger capacity, boarding efficiency, and accessibility.
Accessibility also will be improved by eliminating all stairs for passenger entry, four areas for passengers using wheeled mobility devices, and bridge plates at all double-leaf doors to assist with boarding.
State-of-the-art technology and enhanced communication systems will be included in the vehicles, such as audiovisual information screens.
The crash-safety technology will be incorporated into the vehicles to create a safer environment for operators and riders. Features include a closed operator’s cab with increased visibility.
The supercars are part of MBTA’s Green Line Transformation Program that aims to improve safety, increase accessibility, replace aging vehicles, and increase rider capacity.