CAF trams for Maryland’s Purple Line delivered to MTA

CAF trams for Maryland’s Purple Line reached an important milestone in November 2025: the state’s transport authority, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), received the last, 28th low-floor light rail vehicle for the future line.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

CAF trams for Maryland’s Purple Line: supply and assembly

The contract with Spanish manufacturer CAF for the supply of rolling stock, spare parts and testing equipment for the Purple Line was signed in 2016 — this was noted, in particular, in a report by Railway Supply. The low-floor vehicles are assembled at CAF’s plant in Elmira, New York, and then handed over to MTA. Before entering service, each vehicle undergoes a full testing programme, allowing the operator to check all systems and prepare the fleet for operation on the line.

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According to industry outlet Railway-News, each five-section low-floor tram is about 43.3 m long and designed to carry up to 430 passengers, including 80 seated. The interior includes dedicated areas for up to eight passengers using wheelchairs and up to eight bicycles.

The vehicles are equipped with air conditioning, passenger information and counting systems and offer low interior noise levels. According to the Maryland Transit Administration, these trams will be among the longest light rail vehicles in operation in the United States.

Purple Line light rail: route, progress and connections

Construction of the Purple Line in Maryland, approximately 25.7 km long with 21 stops, began in 2017. During implementation of the New Carrollton–Bethesda section, a series of problems arose, leading to repeated delays and cost overruns. As of 25 November 2025, overall progress stood at 84.6%, and the line is scheduled to open by the end of 2027.

Once in service, the Purple Line route will link New Carrollton in Prince George’s County with Bethesda in Montgomery County. Passengers will be able to transfer to the Red, Green and Orange lines of the Washington Metrorail network, as well as to Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) regional trains and long-distance services operated by national carrier Amtrak.

This combination of light rail with regional and intercity services is expected to make the new line more attractive for residents and passengers in the corridor.

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