MBTA to add 80 bi-level coaches for commuter rail

The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board awarded a $278.5 million contract to Hyundai-Rotem for the procurement of 80 new commuter rail bi-level coaches, which will increase capacity by over 14,000 seats daily. A $41 million contract for engineering and program management services for the project was also awarded to WSP USA Inc., in close cooperation with Keville Enterprises Inc. and VP Engineering Inc.

Funded by the Commonwealth, the procurement will replace single-level coaches, address an immediate need for vehicles, and provide a more efficient way to add capacity. The bi-levels also include upgrades and improvements like LED lighting and the integration of positive train control; are compatible with the current fleet and infrastructure; and include an ease of maintenance. As these bi-levels are a reproduction of the current bi-level fleet, additional benefits include a workforce familiarity with the design; minimal operating and maintenance training required; guaranteed compatibility with the existing fleet; and minimal design impacts.

The total cost of this vehicle procurement is $278.5 million with a total project budget, which includes professional services, force account, project administration, and more, of $345 million. The Notice to Proceed for the sole-source procurement of 80 coaches will be issued in October 2019 with the first of 80 anticipated to be delivered in September 2022 and the last anticipated in June 2024.

In addition to the 80 coaches, the release of an RFP for additional bi-level coaches is anticipated for November 2019 with an award of procurement of up to 100 coaches, plus options, anticipated for November 2020. The first of those 100 coaches is anticipated to be delivered in July 2024 and the last in June 2027.