The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) rolls out modifications to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Grand Central Madison train service. Also, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) officials express concern about the quality of work performed by China Railway Rolling Stock Corp. (CRRC).
When global rail manufacturer CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corp.) entered the U.S. passenger rail market nearly ten years ago, winning a $560 million contract to manufacture new railcars for the Massachusetts
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials were recently notified that CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corp.) will not be able to deliver the remaining Orange and Red Line railcars by December 2023 and September 2026, respectively, and could face “daily fines of $500 for each late car,” according to a Boston Herald report.
During a recent routine inspection, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) identified a failure in an electrical grounding component on an Orange Line vehicle and is currently operating two train sets fewer than the scheduled number of vehicles required to meet the agency’s schedule.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials were recently notified that delivery of new Red and Orange Line railcars from CRRC (China Railway Rolling Stock Corp.) will be postponed further because the firm “expects it will need several more months to finish manufacturing” due to “nagging pandemic-related supply and labor issues.”
Nothing highlights the impact and risks of the global supply chain on the North American rail industry better than wheels. Yes, wheels for rail rolling stock: freight cars, passenger and transit cars, and locomotives.
Early this month, CRRC will deliver the first two of 44 multilevel railcars to exo, Montreal’s regional/commuter rail and bus system.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has opened a $22 million test track and vehicle commissioning facility for its new Red Line fleet, due to begin service in 2024.
The response from my previous article, “North America Rail Supply and China: Why We Should be Concerned,” has been overwhelming and supportive. Apparently, I ripped a Band-Aid off a topic that’s been unfolding and finally being realized by many over the past decade.
Caveat: I am a free-market capitalist who believes in the importance of trade to elevate global prosperity. I believe in comparative advantage, and how countries excel at the supply of certain goods and services, to the benefit of others. I now believe that there needs to be market boundaries, for the long-term health of entire industries and the well-being and security of our citizens.
