MBTA CAF USA Type 10
| Industry | Rail vehicle manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Elmira , United States |
| Products | Type 10 light rail vehicle |
The Type 10 LRV represents an upcoming low-floor light rail vehicle developed by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) specifically for the MBTA Green Line operating in Greater Boston, Massachusetts. These new cars are 54% longer than the current Green Line vehicles and incorporate enhanced safety and accessibility features.
In late 2022, CAF secured a contract from the MBTA to supply 102 Type 10 units at a total cost of $810 million. Scheduled for deployment in 2027, these cars will succeed the existing Type 7 and Type 8 fleets. Promoted as "supercars," they boast a completely low-floor layout along with expanded passenger capacity.
Background
The Green Line is a prominent light rail network connecting Boston’s western and northern suburbs, with its history tracing back to 1897. It consists of four branches—B, C, D, and E—and served more than 101,000 riders daily in 2023.
The line’s streetcar origins impose limitations on infrastructure and capacity. Certain segments of the E Branch still operate amidst mixed street traffic. The storage yards maintain traditional car barns featuring small balloon loops that constrain both train length and vehicle dimensions. Passengers boarding outside the central subway must enter through the front door and pay fares onboard, which slows down service. Additionally, operating multiple-car trains requires a driver for each car, a practice uncommon in modern light rail systems.
To overcome these challenges, the Green Line Extension and Transformation Project was initiated. This initiative removed the system’s sharpest curve at Lechmere station and strengthened the Lechmere Viaduct to accommodate heavier trains, thereby eliminating a critical bottleneck.
In support of the extension, the MBTA procured 24 Type 9 vehicles from CAF USA in 2014; these cars began service in late 2018 prior to the extension’s opening in 2022. Although the Type 9 design—closely related to earlier Type 8 models—was well received, the MBTA opted to develop a new design for its forthcoming fleet.
Concepts
In a 2018 analysis, the MBTA reviewed seven different proposals for new Green Line vehicles, taking into account potential future changes such as tight curves and weight restrictions. Each proposal suggested cars longer than the existing Type 8/9 models, with lengths varying across concepts. The chosen configuration is a seven-section articulated low-floor light rail vehicle supported by four trucks and equipped with five sliding doors on each side.
Introducing these new cars necessitates upgrades to infrastructure at several Green Line locations. Beyond the scheduled improvements at Lechmere, stations like Park Street, Boston College, and Heath Street will require alterations. Additionally, the Lake Street and Reservoir maintenance yards must be redesigned, while the E Branch’s street-running segment will transition to a dedicated right-of-way shared with bus traffic.
The Type 10 design complements the CharlieCard system enhancement, facilitating proof-of-payment fare collection that removes the need for onboard fare transactions. Operators will control the trains from a fully enclosed, wide cab area, reflecting this operational change.
For procurement of the Type 10 vehicles, the MBTA employed a best value procurement strategy, assessing bids from CAF, Siemens Mobility, and Alstom. In August 2022, CAF secured an $811 million contract to deliver 102 cars, two operator training simulators, and a three-year warranty package.
Accessibility
The Type 10 model is designed with a fully low-floor layout, featuring three out of five doors on each side equipped with bridge plates to facilitate accessible boarding. It offers four dedicated spaces for wheelchairs and incorporates audio induction loop technology to improve announcement clarity for passengers using hearing aids.
Fare collection
Each Type 10 vehicle will have CharlieCard readers installed at every door, enabling all-door boarding at all Green Line stops. This system is expected to significantly speed up passenger boarding compared to the current front-door payment method. This upgrade is part of the MBTA’s broader CharlieCard rollout, anticipated to be fully operational by 2025.
Information systems
Enhanced passenger information systems will be integrated into Type 10 cars, providing displays that show upcoming stops, route information, and real-time service notifications.
Safety
The Type 10 will be outfitted with positive train control technology designed to work with the forthcoming Green Line Train Protection System. However, this safety initiative has experienced setbacks after the MBTA dismissed an underperforming contractor in June 2024; consequently, its deployment will occur later than the originally planned 2025 timeline.
Prototypes and construction
CAF USA is responsible for producing the Type 10 vehicles at its Elmira, New York manufacturing facility. The initial prototypes are expected to arrive in spring 2026, with entry into revenue service planned for 2027. In 2023, following a public design competition, the MBTA chose a green and dark gray color scheme accented by white and green stripes for these new cars.
In October 2024, a full-scale mockup was exhibited at Boston City Hall Plaza. This display included operational bridge plates and mockups representing passenger information screens, seating arrangements, and operator controls.
Services
The Type 10 vehicles are designated to operate across all four branches of the Green Line, taking the place of the older Type 7 and Type 8 models. They will initially run as single cars but are designed to be coupled into two-car sets in the future. While some Type 9 vehicles will continue service on the Green Line, others will be transferred to the Mattapan Line.