MBTA and Maryland Transit Administration procure battery-electric trains

By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 25, 2026

Supply Agreement Transport announced USA Feb 25, 2026

The MBTA and the Maryland Transit Administration have issued a joint "request for proposals" to procure at least 25 new locomotives, more than half of which would operate on electric power.

Deal Analysis

The MBTA and Maryland Transit Administration's joint request for proposals (RFP) to procure at least 25 new locomotives, with a significant portion being battery-electric, signals a growing commitment to sustainable transportation within the US rail sector. This supply agreement, announced on February 25, 2026, involves Amtrak as a potential supplier, indicating a collaboration between public transit agencies and a major national rail operator. While the deal value remains undisclosed, the focus on battery-electric locomotives suggests a strategic move towards reducing emissions and modernizing rail infrastructure. The procurement of battery-electric locomotives by two major transit authorities could influence future procurements across the nation. The success of this initiative may encourage other transit agencies to adopt similar technologies, driving demand for battery-electric rail solutions. Furthermore, Amtrak's potential involvement as a supplier could solidify its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of sustainable rail transportation. The deal's outcome will be closely watched by industry stakeholders interested in the adoption of electric rail technology and the potential for further expansion in the US market.

Joint procurement by MBTA and Maryland Transit Administration indicates a collaborative approach to transit modernization.
Focus on battery-electric locomotives highlights a commitment to reducing emissions in rail transport.
Amtrak's potential role as a supplier could strengthen its position in the sustainable rail market.
The deal's outcome could influence future procurements of electric rail technology across the US.

Market Context: The US transport sector is increasingly focused on sustainability, with growing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles across various modes of transportation. This deal reflects that trend within the rail industry, driven by environmental regulations and a desire to modernize aging infrastructure.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The procurement seeks 10 new battery-electric train engines that would run on the Providence Line. The bid documents also propose options for the T to add up to 50 additional train engines – either powered by batteries or by diesel engines – to its order in the future. Maryland would obtain an additional 5 battery-electric trains on the same contract to run on the Penn Line. The MBTA's new procurement also seeks another 10 new diesel-powered locomotives for the T to run on other regional rail lines where electric power infrastructure doesn't yet exist.

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Location

The procurement seeks 10 new battery-electric train engines that would run on the Providence Line...Maryland would obtain an additional 5 battery-electric trains on the same contract to run on the Penn Line...Fairmount Line...Needham Line...Franklin Line

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Announcement

By Christian MilNeil 4:27 PM EST on February 25, 2026

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

MBTA buyer

"The MBTA and the Maryland Transit Administration have issued a joint "request for proposals" to procure at least 25 new locomotives"

Maryland Transit Administration buyer

"The MBTA and the Maryland Transit Administration have issued a joint "request for proposals" to procure at least 25 new locomotives"

medium quality Enriched Feb 26, 2026