Blue Line unveils new subway cars

REVERE-Ninety-four new subway cars will be phased into the Blue Line rapid-transit route starting today.The cars are the first in more than 15 years to replace the 30-year-old fleet that shuttles commuters daily between Wonderland Station in Revere and Boston’s Government Center.Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officials were scheduled to formally kick off the replacement program today by boarding one of the new cars at Aquarium Station and riding it to Government Center. State Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen, MBTA General Manager Daniel Grabauskas and state Sen. Anthony Petruccelli were on the passenger list for the inaugural ride.According to the MBTA, the new cars will be phased in over the next 18 months until 94 are in service on the Blue Line, replacing the current 70-car fleet. The new cars will feature a re-designed passenger compartment and operator cab, wider seating for passengers, and automated audio and visual display of station announcements.The cars are fitted with wheel-mounted noise absorbers to reduce screeching on curves, and stainless-steel exteriors for improved appearance and extended life. Each car will have two locations to accommodate wheelchairs, as well as smoke detectors, handgrips and passenger emergency intercoms.