MBTA AnsaldoBreda Type 8
| Industry | Rail vehicle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Breda |
| Fate | Became AnsaldoBreda |
| Products | Light rail vehicles |
MBTA AnsaldoBreda Type 8 represents a light rail vehicle constructed by Breda, which later became AnsaldoBreda, specifically for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA). Produced between 1998 and 2007, these units supplanted the remaining fleet of Boeing LRVs. Incorporating a low-floor design, they comply with the ADA to provide accessible transit options. By 2018, most Type 8 cars were paired with one Kinki Sharyo Type 7 vehicle, forming two-car sets that include at least one accessible car. These trains operate across every branch of the Green Line. The MBTA manages 92 out of the original 95 units, numbered from 3800 to 3894, with maintenance conducted at the Reservoir and Riverside facilities.
History
The MBTA awarded Breda a contract in 1996 to manufacture 100 Type 8 cars for deployment on the Green Line. The initial trio of cars (3800–3802) arrived in March 1998 and underwent testing that summer. Revenue operations began in March 1999; however, from August 2000 to June 2001, the fleet experienced several mechanical difficulties causing temporary removals from service. After a derailment incident in 2002, all Type 8 units were briefly pulled from operation but resumed service on the B branch by May 2003.
The persistent maintenance issues associated with Type 8 vehicles postponed the full retirement of Boeing LRVs. MBTA COO Jeff Gonneville characterized these cars as posing significant "maintenance challenges." Initially assigned to the B, C, and E branches—where they primarily operated at lower speeds—the Type 8 struggled to perform reliably at higher speeds on the D branch due to track condition problems. Subsequent track renovations completed in 2007 enabled Type 8 cars to serve all four Green Line branches starting December 2008.
In May 2008, car number 3879 suffered extensive damage following a derailment and was stored until its repair was completed in January 2013; it currently functions as a training unit at the Broadway facility. According to an October 2016 article by the Boston Globe, the Green Line led the nation in derailment incidents, a situation largely linked to the Type 8 fleet.
By December 2019, vehicles numbered 3847 and 3854 had been retired and stored for spare parts. The remaining Type 8 fleet is planned for replacement by MBTA's forthcoming CAF USA Type 10 light rail vehicles.
Features
Type 8 vehicles are equipped with automated stop announcements and next-stop display signs, featuring approximately three-quarters low-floor accessibility suitable for wheelchair users and finished with white interior paneling. These automated announcement systems were subsequently installed on Kinki Sharyo Type 7 cars as well. The announcements utilize the voice of Frank Oglesby, Jr., consistent across other MBTA rolling stock. Their traction motors share similarities with those found in New York City Subway models R142A, R188, R143, and Atlanta's MARTA CQ31x trains.