Boston gets mock-up of CAF Type 10 streetcar

MBTA, the transit provider in the US city of Boston, has received a full-scale mock-up of the front sections of its Type 10 streetcar for the Green Line. MBTA orders 102 of these 114ft (35m) trams in late 2022 at a cost of USD 811M, with the first expected to enter service in early 2027. The 100% low-floor seven-section design is 54% longer than existing Boston trams. 

 

The Green Line comprises four services that funnel through the 1897 subway under the city centre and carry over 101 000 passengers/day. A segment of line E still uses street running, while services were extended north on new segregated alignment to in 2023. At that time CAF provided 24 type 9 trams that matched the dimensions of the existing fleet. 

 

The type 10 design is built around a project to upgrade CharlieCard ticket system in 2025 to support proof-of-payment fares, so drivers will no longer issue cash tickets. type 10 cars will be equipped with CharlieCard readers at every door. They will be fitted with positive train control equipment to be used with the future Green Line train protection system. Type 10 cars will be built at CAF’s US factory in Elmira, NY..