The 38-year-old Orange Line fleet will soon be taking passengers to and from their destinations in brand-new trains. The current MBTA Orange Line trains are set to be replaced with new models beginning in 2019, according to the MBTA.
The MBTA Orange Line Project will take place over the course of three years, as 152 new Orange Line trains replace the current vehicle fleet of 120 trains. The first Orange Line train containing 6 cars is scheduled to go into service early Spring.
The trains are being developed by the Chinese company, China Railroad Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC). The updates to the Orange Line trains include more spacious cars, wider doors, new HVAC systems with backup, and redesigned handrails for passenger safety. With the first trains arriving from Shanghai, China, the MBTA cites that the manufacturing of the remaining trains will take place at a newly designed factory in Springfield, Massachusetts to allow for more efficient repairs and updates to the trains as passengers utilize them on their commutes in and out of the city.
Orange Line trains carry young professionals, college students and local residents from Malden to downtown Boston.
The Boston Globe takes a look inside the Wellington T station where the testing ground for the new Orange Line Trains is located.
Discover the neighborhoods of Malden, Massachusetts and places to live by visiting 160 Pleasant Street Apartments and The Exchange Street Apartments.