Spanish train manufacturer CAF has secured a deal worth $200m to manufacture 26 five-module light-rail vehicle (LRV) units for the Purple Line Project in Maryland, US.

The deal includes capital spares, special tools, and test equipment and will be managed by the company’s subsidiary CAF USA.

This subsidiary will operate and maintain the Purple Line for 30 years following its opening, according to railwaygazette.com. Scheduled to be operational by 2022, the line will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County.

"The deal includes capital spares, special tools, and test equipment."

The private public partnership (P3) project will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the Purple Line with an investment of $5.6bn, including construction valued of $2bn. Once completed, it will provide direct connections to the Washington Metro Red, Orange, and Green Lines, as well as connections to Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) and Amtrak commuter lines and local bus routes.

The newly ordered LRVs will be manufactured at CAF USA’s plant in Elmira, New York. So far, the plant has manufactured 96 units for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, 40 light trains for the California Capital of Sacramento, and 28 new light trains.

It is also currently manufacturing 130 passenger cars for Amtrak and LRV units for Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Railway Technology Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Railway Technology Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now