The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is detaining parts for new MBTA trains, raising potential delays in production at the Springfield facility owned by CRRC, a Chinese-based company. This holdup stems from allegations that CRRC violated the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Erik Olson, executive director of The Rail Security Alliance, expressed concern to NBC10 Boston, saying, "I think it's deeply concerning."
Further allegations have come to light regarding the use of child and forced labor in the manufacturing of components for the MBTA railcars. The Trump Administration and the CBP have been lauded by The Rail Security Alliance for their efforts to ensure ethical trade practices. "The Trump Administration and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are to be commended for holding Chinese state-owned and controlled CRRC accountable," Olson told the Boston Herald in an interview.
In defense, CRRC MA has denied the allegations, committing to providing documentation to prove compliance with the UFLPA. "CRRC MA has maintained rigorous compliance reviews of all suppliers and confirms that no entity involved in these shipments is linked to any violation of The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) or use of forced labor," said Lydia Rivera, spokesperson for CRRC MA, in a statement obtained by NBC10 Boston.
Despite the ongoing investigation, MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo reassured that production at the Springfield plant will continue without immediate interruption. "There are enough car shells and related components at the plant to keep the production line moving at least through the end of this year," Pesaturo told Boston Herald. Meanwhile, calls are being made to potentially reassess the partnership with CRRC, as Erik Olson believes it might be the right time to reinvest in a more suitable producer for the MBTA.
MBTA has informed that 46 new Red Line cars have been delivered so far, with an additional 22 in various stages of production at the Springfield plant. An early fall deadline is set for the final batch of 152 new Orange Line cars. CBP’s detention of parts, while slowing the process, has not yet halted it. CRRC MA remains committed to furnishing the necessary information to CBP and continuing the production of railcars as evidenced by their cooperation with the investigation.
