Hitachi has landed a $724.3 million contract to supply 200 rail cars to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), marking the Japanese conglomerate’s second-largest order in the United States. The new cars, set to service Philadelphia’s core subway line, will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Maryland facility, which was established in response to a previous major contract from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
SEPTA’s existing fleet, dating back to the 1990s, is due for an upgrade. The new cars promise enhanced capacity and advanced technology, including remote equipment monitoring and regenerative braking systems. The first units are slated for delivery in 2029, with the entire order expected to be completed by 2031. SEPTA also retains the option to purchase an additional 40 cars.
Hitachi’s investment in the Maryland factory underscores its commitment to expanding its presence in the U.S. rail market. The plant, built to fulfill a $2.2 billion order from Washington’s transit authority in 2021, positions Hitachi to capitalize on future opportunities and maintain high utilization rates.
This strategic move aligns with Hitachi’s broader ambitions in the rail sector. The company recently acquired the railway signal business of Thales, a French electronics firm, bolstering its capabilities in both rolling stock and operational systems. As urban transit networks across the U.S. modernize, Hitachi aims to be at the forefront, leveraging its technological prowess and production capacity to drive growth.
