The Fiscal and Management Control Board of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) awarded a $278.5 million contract to Hyundai-Rotem for the procurement of 80 new Commuter Rail Bi-Level Coaches.
The new cars will replace single-level cars and increase capacity by over 14,000 seats daily, according to an MBTA news release. A $41 million contract for engineering and program management services for the project was also awarded to WSP USA.
“As ridership on the Commuter Rail system continues to climb, our customers have made it very clear that additional capacity is necessary,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a news release. “This procurement method is the fastest and most efficient way to meet the growing demand and provide our riders with improved service.”
