BOSTON (WHDH) - The MBTA Board of Directors has awarded an over $810 million contract to deliver over 100 Green Line “supercar” trolleys as part of the MBTA’s efforts to improve the line, the MBTA announced in a statement Thursday.
The announcement comes as the Green Line Transformation Program works to improve the safety, accessibility, capacity and maintainability of the Green Line, the MBTA said. They added that the new supercars would also allow them to replace legacy vehicles and increase rider capacity.
“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 MBTA said the new Green Line Type 10 supercar will be 40 feet longer than the current trolleys and will include wider door openings, which will boost passenger capacity, boarding efficiency and accessibility. The design also includes low-floor boarding and double-leaf doors to assist with boarding and improve accessibility for all riders.
“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.”
The Type 10 vehicles will also feature improved technology including audiovisual information screens to upgrade the passenger experience and crash-safety technology to create a safer environment for both operators and riders. The design includes a closed operator’s cab with increased visibility to eliminate distractions and improve safety for all those on board.
The design phase of the Type 10 vehicles is set to begin fall 2022 and the MBTA estimates it will receive four pilot vehicles in spring 2026, putting two supercars into service each month beginning spring 2027 and continuing until 2031.
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