New Hitachi Rail Metro Cars to enter Revenue Service for MTA Baltimore's Subway Link System
Baltimore system is the first project completed in Hitachi's new digital train manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, MD.
www.hitachirail.com
Hitachi Rail celebrated the official start of revenue service for its new cutting-edge metro cars produced for the Maryland Transit Administration's (MTA) Baltimore Metro Subway Link. Originally contracted in 2017, this milestone marks a significant development for Maryland's only heavy rail subway system, replacing and upgrading existing rolling stock and rail control systems last updated in 1983. As the first project to be completed in Hitachi Rail's new factory located in Hagerstown, Maryland – the new system will also enhance comfort and reliability for thousands of daily commuters while providing a modern ridership experience.
Fleet Highlights & Technological Innovation
78 state-of-the-art railcars (12 cars delivered to date) to be delivered under a $400.5 million contract awarded in 2017 – featuring Hitachi Rail's advanced SelTrac™ Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology.
Upgraded SelTrac™ technology will provide higher system capacity with improved performance with state-of-the art data analytics, lower capital investment and lifecycle costs, and flexible and scalable architecture.
New metro cars are designed to be highly innovative, with passenger comfort and design at the forefront. Updated driver cab also includes state-of-the-art integrated diagnostic system.
Each bi-directional married pair consists of two stainless steel cars, equipped with 76 seats on board and a capacity of 196 passengers per rail car.
Built with advanced passenger information systems, LED lighting, ADA-compliant interiors, and fiberglass car heads– with a 30-year-life-cycle capable of providing an average journey of 80,000 miles per year.
A Milestone for Baltimore Commuters
"The beginning of revenue service marks a historic moment in transit for both Baltimore and the state of Maryland – upgrading the city's 40-year-old fleet and rail control systems with Hitachi Rail's advanced SelTrac™ technology. Which will help to deliver modern and sustainable railcars that will meet passenger needs for decades to come," said Joseph Pozza President of Hitachi Rail in the United States. "Our partnership with MTA and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) demonstrates Hitachi's long-term dedication to transforming urban mobility in the U.S."
Giampaolo Nuonno, General Manager Vehicles SDS, North America added "These new trains aren't just about modernizing equipment—they represent a leap forward in service reliability, efficiency, and passenger experience for the thousands traveling between Owings Mills, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and downtown Baltimore each day."
"These new railcars represent an important step forward for riders and our region" said Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary, Kathryn Thomson. "This is far more than a fleet replacement – it is a generational investment in creating a modern, reliable and safe transportation network."
"Our riders and our region deserve a strong, modern transit system," said MTA Administrator, Holly Arnold. "By investing in new, state-of-the-art railcars, we are connecting communities and delivering on our promise to provide fast, reliable, and safe transit service."
Made in Maryland: Hagerstown Facility
A significant portion of the new fleet was assembled and completed at Hitachi Rail's $100M state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral factory in Hagerstown, Maryland. Officially opened in September 2025, the 307,000 ft² facility is capable of building up to 20 railcars per month - employing 460 onsite staff once meeting project operational capacity.
With digital at its core, over $30M has been invested in digital enhancements including a focus on high quality production and customer value creation. The smart factory harnesses real-time supply chain and manufacturing monitoring, local component manufacturing using 3D printing and on-site additive manufacturing for spares and tooling, and full transparency on product quality. Both the Hagerstown factory and the Baltimore metro cars reaffirm the expansion of Hitachi Rail's business in North America, mirroring the priorities of the Hitachi Group as a whole.
The full rollout for the remaining Baltimore metro cars remains on track for completion, ensuring seamless service integration with the existing fleet debuted during this afternoon's ceremony.
www.hitachirail.com
