MBTA Board Approves Purchase Of New Commuter Rail Coaches

The MBTA Board of Directors today approved the purchase of 75 new bi-level commuter rail coaches with increased seating capacity and improved lavatory access to commuters. The coaches are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and feature flip-back seats at designated wheelchair positions. Under a $190.2M contract, the bi-level coaches will be manufactured and delivered by the Rotem USA Corporation, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This procurement will allow for the replacement of aging single level coaches, reaching their useful life expectancy of 25 years, with bi-level coaches equipped to meet increasing service demands. “This contract is vital in continuing with the Patrick Administration’s commitment to providing better public transportation service for customers,” said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. “These new bi-level coaches will accommodate the growing popularity of commuter rail while dramatically improving the commuting experience for our customers.”

“ With the Board of Directors’ approval, we can now move forward with the purchase of brand new, state-of-the-art, bi-level coaches that boast modern amenities,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. “More seating, improved accessibility, and on-board lavatories are conveniences customers deserve. This is great news for the thousands of customers who rely on commuter rail service.”

Rotem Corp. will deliver four coaches by the end of 2010 with the remaining 71 coaches slated for delivery by 2012. When all the new coaches are delivered, it will bring to 215 the number of bi-level coaches in the MBTA’s commuter rail fleet.