Red Line car shells cleared from customs, reviving replacement project

"The shells were released after U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who represents Springfield, and Gov. Maura Healey stepped up to negotiate the release. 'For any project, we know that there are things within our control and outside our control,' said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, in a statement to Boston.com."

"'I commend the workforce in Springfield for its dedication and commitment,' he continued. The company said the ongoing delays stem from a U.S. Customs detention notice under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act."

"In response, CRRC MA and its suppliers established a task force to review over 2,000 documents in order to provide that evidence. Massachusetts first awarded CRRC MA a contract in late 2014 to build 152 new Orange Line cars and 132 new Red Line cars."

Customs officials have released detained Red Line car shells, enabling the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation to resume manufacturing. This decision will allow 142 furloughed workers to return to their jobs at the CRRC MA Springfield facility. The release followed negotiations led by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Gov. Maura Healey. The delays were due to a U.S. Customs detention notice under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, prompting CRRC MA to establish a task force to provide necessary documentation.

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