MBTA says the LRVs are the first addition to the Green Line fleet for around 10 years. Delivery of the new fleet will be completed by the autumn.
The three-section low-floor LRVs will have 10% more space than existing Green Line vehicles due to an improved interior layout. MBTA says the new LRVs are the first in the United States to have a crash energy management structural design.
The bogies have improved braking and “thicker wheels” than the bogies on the existing fleet to improve reliability and reduce maintenance requirements. A dual auxiliary power system will also help to improve reliability.
The Green Line is currently being extended north from Lechmere to College Avenue with a short branch to Union Square. The 6.8km extension will largely follow an existing railway right-of-way. The $US 2.28bn project is due to be completed in 2021.
For more detailed information on urban rail projects around the world, subscribe to IRJ Pro.
