The Red Line mock-up car on display at City Hall Plaza. Credit: © Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in the US has unveiled a mock-up of the new Red Line cars, which are set to replace the current fleet from next year.

In 2014, MBTA awarded a contract to China Railway Rolling Stock (CRRC) to manufacture 152 Orange and 252 Red Line cars as a part of its more than $1bn New Vehicle Procurement Program.

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The mock-up of the Red Line car is nearly two-thirds of the actual size, exhibiting all the features and aesthetics to be incorporated within the new units.

It was also used by the MBTA and CRRC engineers to support the vehicle development process.

The unveiling of the Red Line mock-up was attended by Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker and CRRC officials.

“We will be able to deliver a more reliable system for our customers.”

Governor Baker said: “Our administration is investing over $1bn to completely replace the fleets of the Red and Orange Lines, in addition to upgrading track and signals throughout the system to support the new cars.

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“Through all of these investments in the core infrastructure of the MBTA, we will be able to deliver a more reliable system for our customers.”

The new vehicles come with a series of improvements, including increased capacity and enhanced accessibility compared to the existing cars.

All these railcars will be equipped with the latest propulsion and braking systems, advanced audio and visual passenger information, and dedicated accessibility areas with larger doors.

All the 404 railcars will be assembled and tested at the newly completed CRRC’s North American railcar manufacturing facility in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Assembling works of the new Orange Line cars have already commenced with the first vehicles expected to be completed in December. The assembly of Red Line vehicles is scheduled to begin next year.

As well as procuring new vehicles, MBTA is also upgrading signalling and other infrastructure for both lines. The overall investment in this improvement programme is nearly $1.98bn.