MBTA showcases new Green Line trolley cars with accessibility, safety updates in City Hall Plaza

Transit officials gathered in City Hall Plaza on Wednesday morning to showcase what the future of Green Line train cars may look like — a mock-up of a 40-foot longer, more accessible vehicle.

“On behalf of MBTA, I welcome everyone for an opportunity to take a peek inside of future tight turn vehicles,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “This mock-up that you see behind me, one day we’ll see on the Green Line running across the system here.”

A sample of the new “Green Line Type 10 vehicle” stayed up in front of City Hall until 7 p.m. Wednesday, allowing residents to view and offer feedback on the new train. The design is entering a review phase, Eng said, in which the T will seek continue to do outreach before making final decisions on the design.

The MBTA entered into a $810-million contract with the company CAF USA Inc for the design, construction and delivery of 102 new trains for the Green Line.

The new model is 40 feet longer than the current train cars, with wider doors for streamlined boarding. The train includes safety upgrades like more passenger intercoms for riders to request assistance and new crash-safety technology.

It also has accessibility upgrades including, a 100% low floor design without stairs for wheelchair and other accessibility, four priority areas for wheeled mobility devices, and a hearing loop throughout the train.

Department of Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt called the cars a big step towards making the T “a fully accessible system.”

“Many elements of the vehicle design are based directly on feedback we’ve received from our riders over the years, especially our riders with disabilities,” said MBTA System-Wide Accessibility Director Rob Sampson. “And because of this, we soon will be welcoming the most accessible Green Line train to date, one that will make it easier and safer for everyone to use.”

Four pilot cars are expected to be rolled out in 2026, and the full Type 10 fleet is expected to be completed in 2031, the MBTA said.

Residents can provide feedback on the new designs on the MBTA website, by emailing gmeng@mbta.com, or in person, Eng said.