close
close

Mondor Festival

News with a Local Lens

Discover the new “supercars” of the Green Line, more space and easier access
minsta

Discover the new “supercars” of the Green Line, more space and easier access

Green Line passengers got their first look at the “supercars,” a spacious new design that will have lower floors, easier access and real-time messaging, among other modern features.

A full-scale model of the so-called Type 10 trolley is on display at City Hall Plaza until Wednesday at 7 p.m., according to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

MBTA drivers who tested the model Tuesday liked what they saw.

“I like the raised seats in the middle, it’s more accessible,” said Colen Fredrickson, 26, who works in the city’s planning department.

He checked out the model with his brother, Jared, 23, who called the new design “great.”

A full-size model of the new Green Line streetcar, scheduled to run in spring 2027, is on display in a tent at Boston City Hall Plaza. John Tumacki/Globe Staff

Isaac Whetzell, 13, who described himself as a “transit geek,” was eager to experience the new model. “I like the design, it’s more modern,” he said. “It’s not perfect but nothing is, it’s an improvement.”

The MBTA signed a $810 million contract with CAF USA Inc. to design and build 102 new Green Line vehicles. Test vehicles are expected to arrive in 2026, and full service is expected to roll out in spring 2027, according to the MBTA.

T officials are planning a news conference Wednesday on City Hall Square with CAF USA leaders to celebrate the final model. The new trains will prioritize passenger comfort and accessibility. New features include wider doors for easier boarding, improved seating arrangements for increased capacity and improved lighting for a more welcoming atmosphere, the MBTA said.

One longtime rider wonders if the new design will fit the T’s older tracks.

“There are more safety concerns now because (MBTA) has installed new equipment that doesn’t fit into the old system,” said David Carr, 72, a retired court official who took the route. Green line to work for years.

“I hope it will be calmer and we will stay on track,” he said.

The interior of the full-scale mock-up of a Green Line Type 10 trolley was open to visitors while on display outside Boston City Hall. John Tumacki/Globe Staff
Visitors gathered in front of a full-size model of a new Green Line Type 10 trolley.John Tumacki/Globe Staff

Rachel Umansky-Castro can be reached at [email protected].