MBTA receives first commuter train after months of delays

Three Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail trains were put into service on the Haverhill line out of North Station  Wednesday after more than a year of delays.

The double-decker trains, ordered from a South Korean manufacturer, are equipped with LED displays, lager restrooms, advanced air-conditioning units and improved handicapped capabilities, according to the MBTA’s website. The bi-level cars also have 55 percent more capacity than older MBTA train

Beverly Scott, MBTA general manager, said in a statement the expanded fleet of trains promises a better commute for all users.

“We are constantly working to bring our customers a better experience,” she said. “These new coaches will do just that — with a cleaner, more informed and more comfortable trip for all on board.”

The MBTA ordered 75 trains from Hyundai-Rotem, manufacturer of the trains, for $190 million, according to the Progressive Railroading newsletter.

The trains are arriving over 18 months late with 15 trains projected to be in service by the fall of 2013, according to the MBTA website.

Hyundai-Rotem manufactures high-speed trains as well as armored vehicles and military tanks. They have a staff of 4,000, according to their website.

Jonathan Davis, chief financial officer for the MBTA, traveled to the South Korean Hyundai-Rotem plant in an effort to expedite production of the trains.

Davis said in a statement to the company that he and the MBTA were profoundly disappointed with the company’s service.

“Don’t confuse efforts with results,” he said. “We want to see the coaches delivered on the most recent schedule, and there can be no further slippage. I will again be asking them to commit to the revised delivery schedule.”

Davis said the MBTA is attempting to make the best of the situation and correct for the damage and setbacks.

“We are where we are,” said Davis. “We need to make sure there is no further slippage and that we receive a quality product.”

The MBTA has not yet commented on the cause of the delays.

Commuters in Boston said they were pleased with the upgrades to the commuter line even if the trains arrived behind schedule.

Sara Adair, 40, said she was excited about the increased train capacity.

“Anything to make commuting easier,” she said. “And if more people can sit now then that is great.”

Colin Smith, 31, said he was slightly unnerved by the extent of the delays.

“I mean, what the heck was wrong with the trains to have the delays last for 18 months?” he said. “I want to know what was wrong before I get on one of those.”

Vivian Jack, 57, said she was shocked when she heard how much money has been put towards the new trains.

“I thought the MBTA was out of money,” she said. “Shouldn’t they be putting their money towards repairs before they go buying double decker trains?”