BOSTON, July 25, 2024 — TransitMatters is excited to celebrate the MBTA Board's approval of Commuter Rail operator Keolis’s plan to introduce battery-electric trains to the Fairmount Line by 2028. This landmark decision sets the stage for more frequent, fast, and reliable service, bringing us closer to a decarbonized and modernized regional rail network.
Today’s vote marks the first significant investment toward the Regional Rail vision. The Fairmount Line was one of three lines, along with the Newburyport/Rockport line to Beverly, that the MBTA’s then-board endorsed for Regional Rail service in 2019. As the fastest-growing Commuter Rail line, with over 100% of pre-COVID level ridership, the Fairmount Line is moving toward 20-minute service by 2028. This will provide subway-style frequencies and a high-quality transit option to communities that have long gone without the transit options they deserve.
"This monumental step represents the first real commitment to the Regional Rail vision laid out five years ago. We're excited that the T is partnering with Keolis to test new technology that allows us to electrify the service faster and bring tangible benefits to riders," said Jarred Johnson, Executive Director of TransitMatters.
"Keolis's innovation proposal will make a world of difference to communities along the Fairmount Line with fast, frequent, and reliable service. It's the first real step toward Regional Rail and a meaningful down payment on an entirely new Regional Rail system for the Commonwealth. We applaud Keolis and the MBTA for their vision here and look forward to seeing similar vision throughout the upcoming operator reprocurement process," stated Jackson Moore Otto, Regional Rail Lead.
Introducing battery-electric trains to the Fairmount Line is a significant milestone in the MBTA’s efforts to transform the Commuter Rail system. The new service is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 1.6 million gallons and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 17,700 tons annually compared to diesel trains. Fairmount Line riders will have modern trains that will allow for faster, smoother, quieter trips and more reliable service.
"This pilot delivers on the Regional Rail vision despite the T's funding challenges. We appreciate the hard work of the General Manager and his team, the folks at Keolis, and the Rail Transformation for making this happen," added Johnson.
This pilot project is a significant step forward for the Fairmount Line and a scalable model for electrification across the entire commuter rail network. It will allow the MBTA to move existing equipment to other lines and use spare BEMUs for further pilots.
"Regional Rail has the power to revolutionize how people get around Eastern and Central Massachusetts. This announcement, along with the addition of 30-minute service on the Fairmount Line and most hours on the Newburyport/Rockport trunk paired with real investments in 'no regrets' infrastructure across the network, are encouraging steps that show real progress on Regional Rail," said Tim Lawrence, Board President of TransitMatters.
We are grateful to our partners at the Fairmount Indigo Transit Coalition for their tireless advocacy. We applaud the T and Keolis for their vision in advancing this innovative and realistic proposal. Regional Rail is coming, and it can’t come soon enough.
For more information about the Regional Rail advocacy and the vision behind this transformative initiative, please visit TransitMatters Regional Rail Advocacy.
For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org.
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