CNR has been confirmed as the preferred bidder to supply 284 new subway cars for Boston’s Red and Orange lines.
The Chinese manufacturer will deliver 152 new Orange line cars and 132 new Red line vehicles to replace the existing fleet, some of which are more than 40 years old.
As well as a firm order for 284 cars, the contract includes an option for 58 more Red line vehicles.
Around $1.3 billion is being invested in new rolling stock, a manufacturing site in Springfield and maintenance facilities in Medford and Boston.
Construction of the Springfield site is scheduled to start in autumn 2015.
Governor Deval Patrick said: “This is a critical investment in the future of public transportation in Greater Boston and in the economic wellbeing of Western Massachusetts.”
The first Orange line vehicles will be delivered in 2018, with Red line carriages arriving a year later.
Deliveries of the new vehicles, which will be equipped with regenerative braking and LED lighting, will be complete by 2021.
