Hitachi Rail has announced the start of revenue service for its new metro cars on the Maryland Transit Administration’s (MTA) Baltimore Metro Subway Link.
The project, initially contracted in 2017, replaces and upgrades the city’s heavy rail rolling stock and rail control systems, which were last updated in 1983.
This marks the first completed project from Hitachi Rail’s new manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The fleet comprises 78 railcars, with 12 cars delivered to date, under a 400.5 million USD contract. The new trains incorporate Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac™ Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. The updated system is designed to provide higher capacity and improved operational performance while allowing for flexible, scalable infrastructure and more efficient maintenance.
Kathryn Thomson, Acting Secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation said:These new railcars represent an important step forward for riders and our region. This is far more than a fleet replacement – it is a generational investment in creating a modern, reliable and safe transportation network.
Each railcar is a bi-directional stainless-steel pair with 76 seats and a total capacity of 196 passengers. The cars feature ADA-compliant interiors, LED lighting, passenger information systems, and fibreglass car heads, with a design life of approximately 30 years. Driver cabs include integrated diagnostic systems.
The trains are expected to operate an average of 80,000 miles per year.
Joseph Pozza, President of Hitachi Rail in the United States said: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. 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.
A substantial portion of the fleet was assembled at Hitachi Rail’s Hagerstown factory, a 307,000 ft² facility officially opened in September 2025. The plant is designed to produce up to 20 railcars per month and employs 460 staff at full operational capacity.
The facility incorporates digital manufacturing systems, including real-time supply chain monitoring, local component production using 3D printing, and additive manufacturing for spares and tooling. These processes provide transparency across production quality and align with Hitachi Rail’s broader North American operations strategy.
The remaining Baltimore metro cars are scheduled for delivery in phases, with full integration into the existing fleet planned over the coming months.
