Public To Have Say in Look of New MBTA Subway Cars

By FRANK O’LAUGHLIN (Patch Staff)

The MBTA wants the public to select the exterior designs for the new Green, Orange and Red Line cars, the authority announced Tuesday.

Online voting is now open.

“The manufacture and delivery of new rail cars will go a long way to enhancing MBTA service that our customers deserve and expect,” said MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack, in a statement. “In recognition of how important our customers are, and the importance of the role the T plays in the region, we are launching this contest to take this process one step further and let our customers have direct input on the final exterior design of the new vehicles.”

Three sets of exterior designs for each rapid transit line are available for viewing and voting on the MBTA website. Votes will be accepted for two weeks, through Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Click here to cast your vote>>>

“We’re moving another step closer to replacing some of the oldest cars on the T’s three busiest rapid transit lines,” said MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola. “As these new cars are introduced to the Green, Orange, and Red Line fleets, customers will experience improvements in both capacity and reliability.”

The modern vehicles will provide a comfortable passenger experience, and feature computer-controlled lighting, heating and cooling technologies. They meet the latest Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Passengers will also notice greatly improved signage and displays for better service information and easier travel.

Delivery of the first of 152 new Orange Line cars is set to begin in 2018.

The first of 24 new Green Line trolley cars will be delivered in 2017.

The delivery of the first of 132 new Red Line cars is scheduled to start in November 2019.

Photo Credit: MBTA