MBTA Green Line Breda Type 8

This is one of the T's Green Line Type 8 cars. The first of these cars were delivered in 1998. They initially had problems because the T rushed Breda by cutting down the debugging time. This led to a series of computer problems and derailments including one which caused injury to a passenger. The T and Breda got into a legal battle and it was recently settled. The result was that Breda would build 85 production cars and 15 shells that would be used for parts. These cars have become reliable as of late and the T initiated plans to upgrade 10 shells to production cars. It is unknown if this will actually happen.

*Update* The plan to upgrade 10 shells to production cars has commenced. As of today, 10/27/07, 3886, 3887, and 3888 are in testing at Riverside.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• massachusetts
• bay
• transportation
• authority
• light
• rail
• transit
• low
• floor
• boston
• subway

[gp40mc]

I like the sound the type 8's make. Reminds me of the ICE trains in Germany because they sound very similar with the whining sounds they make. Is it true that the MBTA may order type 9 cars? Thats what I heard but I'm not sure if its true. Also do they type 8's traction motors scream really loudly when running on the D line because I heard that too? Due to the high speeds someone said.

[MBTAguy]

The Type 9 cars would be used to expand the fleet for the extension to Somerville/Medford if/when it is built. If the extension is not built, then we won't be seeing Type 9s for quite a while since the Type 7s are so reliable.

[MBTAguy]

The traction motors on the Type 8s don't scream loudly on the Highland Branch. The motors are relatively quiet when the trains are running above 15 MPH. Most of the noise that the Type 8s exhibit when they are running at high speeds come from their mechanical systems such as suspension or axles, but, even so, they are relatively quiet overall.

[nutegunray100]

sound like MARTA

[MattytheDem]

@MBTAguy the type 7s may be replaced because they are not ADA compliant

[Alanfung13]

Me too. I've rode on the following type 8's: 3803, 3811, 3818, 3831, 3838, 3855, 3866, 3868, and 3870.

[BostonUrbEx]

The only thing I hate about the aisle-facing seats is the ones by the doors are uncomfortably high. Now, I'm pretty average height... 6'0" or so... and my feet barely touch the ground... I don't understand this at all.

[parejopinto]

i'vebeen on these

[gp40mc]

Okay thanks.

[MBTAguy]

The Type 8s were ordered to replace the entire Boeing LRV fleet and, as you had mentioned, improve wheelchair accessibility. The Type 7s have 46 seats whereas the Type 8s have 44 seats.