SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) continues to face significant delays in the delivery of its new Red Line subway cars, with no definitive timeline announced for the arrival of the remaining vehicles. MBTA General Manager Phil Eng attributed the hold-up primarily to a months-long federal seizure of train shells by U.S. Customs and Border Protection over allegations related to forced labor.

Originally contracted in 2014 for $567 million, the order for 252 new Red Line cars was initially expected to be fulfilled within ten years, with full delivery once forecast for 2023, then pushed to 2027, and now postponed indefinitely. By July 2025, the MBTA had received only 68 of the new cars. The seized car shells, produced by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) at a factory in Springfield, were held by customs starting in May 2025 and only released to the MBTA’s Springfield facility in July, resulting in an estimated 14-month setback.

Eng spoke at a separate event in Springfield, near the production site, emphasizing his desire for the manufacturer to adopt an "aggressive" production schedule but without compromising quality. While a new delivery schedule is expected this winter, Eng cautioned that the MBTA does not want production rushed at the expense of reliability. He also praised CRRC’s efforts to rehire nearly 150 previously furloughed workers and resume steady production following the customs delay. A spokesperson for CRRC did not respond to requests for comment.

U.S. Representative Richard Neal, a Democrat from Springfield, also highlighted federal regulatory complications as major factors behind the delay. He noted the cars were stuck in ports such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia for extended periods. Neal additionally pointed to tariffs imposed on metals and foreign components during the previous administration as contributors to logistical challenges affecting transportation projects nationwide. Despite these setbacks, Neal affirmed the positive economic impact CRRC’s Springfield factory has had on the region, supporting about 400 jobs.

In response to maintenance pressures from aging equipment, the MBTA has increased its workforce to improve upkeep of its existing fleet, some cars of which have been in service for over 50 years. Eng noted that the Red Line is currently operating 42 percent more train trips daily than in 2023, reaching roughly 474 trips per weekday compared to 340 trips several years ago.

At a joint appearance with Neal and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey on Friday, Eng reaffirmed commitment to eventually delivering the full complement of new trains. The officials also announced a $130 million federal grant aimed at modernizing Springfield’s Union Station and supporting the development of a long-planned rail connection linking Western Massachusetts to Boston. The proposed West-East passenger line, connecting Boston with Albany through Springfield, is expected to commence operations by 2030.

Governor Healey expressed determination to expedite progress on both the train deliveries and regional transportation projects. Eng concluded on a note of confidence, pledging, “The new Red Line trains will get here. I promise.”