MBTA issues RFP for $1.3 billion rail-car replacement project

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has issued requests for proposals for a $1.3 billion project to replace and increase the capacity of Red and Orange line trains, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick announced this week.

The agency plans to obtain 152 cars for the Orange Line to replace the entire fleet of 120, and 74 cars for the Red Line. An option would increase the fleet to 132, Patrick administration and MBTA officials said in a press release.

The new cars will feature additional seating, wider and electrically operated doors, four accessible areas per car, LED lighting, modern HVAC systems, and advanced passenger information and announcement systems.

MBTA officials expect to award a contract by winter 2014-15, with the condition that the cars' final assembly be performed in Massachusetts, they said. Delivery of the Orange Line cars is scheduled to begin in winter 2018-19, and Red Line cars in fall 2019.

"Our customers on the Orange and Red lines have been waiting literally for years to see these long-discussed investments become a reality," said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.

Patrick announced the MBTA project along with other state transportation projects designed to provide reliable, long-term relief to commuters who travel the Massachusetts Turnpike, or rely on the Red and Orange lines to get to work and school.

"Growth requires investment, and these projects will catalyze growth in greater Boston," Patrick said.