New Orange Line Cars Still Off Track

The T's new Orange Line cars could return to service as soon as Monday afternoon, a week later than originally expected, after they were taken off the tracks two weeks ago when a door opened mid-trip.

MBTA Deputy General Manager Jeff Gonneville said during an oversight board meeting Monday that crews pulled the train from service as soon as the problem occurred in late September. Once investigators determined that a component known as a bump stop failed and allowed the doors to open, they began replacing the part with a new heavy-duty version.

An MBTA spokesman said at the time that the cars were scheduled to return after a weekend of repairs, but that process stretched longer to allow for testing and safety certification.

Gonneville said Monday trains were tested over the weekend with the new piece and, with final safety certification underway, they could resume passenger service during the afternoon commute Monday or the morning commute Tuesday.

"This is an issue we believe is behind us now," Gonneville said.

Under the Baker administration, the MBTA is early in a process to replace the entire Orange Line fleet with brand-new cars.