The stainless steel bodyshells have undergone static strength testing to ensure they meet US standards.

The vehicles are the first main line passenger coaches to be manufactured by CRRC for a US customer and CRRC Tangshan says its technology research centre has carried out technical research and experimental verification throughout the development and design phase to ensure full compliance with American Public Transportation Association (Apta) Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards (Press).

Septa placed a $US 137.5m contract with CRRC in May 2017 for 45 coaches for use on Regional Rail services on the Northeast Corridor.

Most of the vehicles will be assembled by CRRC MA at its new plant in Springfield, Massachusetts. Deliveries are scheduled to start in October 2019.

Septa CRRC bodyshell2 LARGE