New TransitMatters Report: The Way Forward on Regional Rail

BOSTON, MA, June 1, 2023 –  Commuter Rail is at a crossroads. Work schedules have become more flexible, lower-income workers contend with unreliable, expensive, and infrequent trains, traffic increases, and the Commonwealth draws nearer to its 2050 net zero emissions goal. Now is a crucial time to start making progress towards the transformation of the commuter rail system that the MBTA committed to in 2019. To that end, today TransitMatters released Turning Vision into Reality, a report which urges Governor Healey, the Massachusetts Legislature, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to make a concerted effort to advance this transformation.

“The transformation of our commuter rail network is still just as pressing as ever,” said Jarred Johnson, TransitMatters’ executive director. “If we want to spur the needed housing development, tackle congestion, and significantly cut transportation emissions through mode shift, making Regional Rail a reality is a must.”

Regional Rail improvements such as electrification and high platforms allow for significant frequency increases, trip time reductions of up to 50%, and universal accessibility. 

Sen. Brendan Crighton praised the report, saying “Our outdated transportation system in Massachusetts fails to meet the diverse needs of our residents today. It's time to modernize our commuter rail and invest in Regional Rail that will create more affordable, sustainable, and reliable service. By embracing this transformation, we can ensure a transportation network that connects communities, reduces traffic congestion, and promotes economic growth.”

The report also urges the MBTA to lower and rationalize Commuter Rail fares to boost ridership. Today’s expensive, inequitable fare system forces lower-income riders into long, less reliable bus trips, while needlessly suppressing ridership in a world where many pre-Covid commuter rail riders work part or full time from home.

“If we want to truly be a Massachusetts for all, few priorities can have more of an impact than an electrified, reliable, fast, and affordable Regional Rail,” added Rep. Andy Vargas. “The status quo $24 round trip from Haverhill to Boston will never attract ridership.”

With the MBTA facing an enormous budgetary shortfall and ridership not fully recovered to pre-COVID levels, it is vital to advance a vision of a high ridership, low cost public transportation system that works for everyone rather than a managed decline. To this end, TransitMatters makes recommendations based on the practices of transit agencies which have successfully managed major projects. Particularly crucial steps are an expanded in-house planning team, permitting reform for environmentally beneficial projects, and standardization of infrastructure wherever possible. Implementing these changes requires consistent funding and oversight from the Massachusetts Legislature. 

With the opportunity window to deploy federal infrastructure funding closing, the rezoning of communities along the Commuter Rail, and a supportive administration, now is the best moment to advance this transition. The Commonwealth can shape the future it needs to remain competitive, livable, and affordable. Regional Rail is crucial to doing so; it’s time to move forward. 

About TransitMatters: TransitMatters advancespeople-focused and data-driven solutions to advocate for better public transportation and mobility that provides access and opportunities for everyoneacross the Commonwealth, addresses climate change and inequality, and strengthens our economy.

Media Statement: MA Senate Climate Bill

BOSTON, April 15, 2022 — TransitMatters is thrilled that the Massachusetts Senate passed a number of amendments to Senate Bill 2819, “An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward”, to make the bill more equitable and comprehensive. In particular, Sen. Brendan Crighton’s (D- Lynn) Amendment 13, which requires the MBTA to begin the process of electrifying the Commuter Rail network, is an essential step towards the Commonwealth’s climate future.

We’re incredibly appreciative of Sen. Crighton’s leadership in guiding this amendment through the Senate. The Senator has long been a champion of Regional Rail for the communities along the Environmental Justice Line and communities across the Commonwealth who would benefit from Commuter Rail electrification. 

TransitMatters would also like to thank the co-sponsors of this crucial piece of legislation: Sen. Paul Feeney, Sen. Rebecca Rausch, Sen. Diana DiZoglio, Sen. Eric Lesser, Sen. Michael Moore, Sen. Pat Jehlen, Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Sen. Patrick O'Connor, Sen. Nick Collins, Sen. Jo Comerford, Sen John Keenan, Sen. John Cronin, Sen. Marc Pacheco, Sen. Jason Lewis, Sen. Mark Montigny, Sen. Joan Lovely, Sen. John Velis, Sen. Walter Timilty,  Sen. Michael Brady and Sen. Sal DiDomenico. 

Additionally, we’d like to thank all of our supporters and partners who have advocated for these measures and have sent letters of support to their Senators: your efforts made the difference. 

The key highlights of the amendment are as follows:

• Requires the MBTA to plan, over the short-, medium-, and long- terms, for a more integrated, productive, equitable, and decarbonized commuter rail system. In making these plans, the MBTA is also asked to maximize “ridership returns on investment” in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth’s climate goals

• Requires the MBTA to include, in the short-term plan, a pathway to running electric service on the Providence/Stoughton, Fairmount, and environmental justice lines. The MBTA is directed to provide a schedule, needed cash flow, and a planning framework for these lines.

• Specifies that capital plans after 2030 may not include the purchase of diesel locomotives

• Requires, in medium- and long- term plans, a framework to electrify all commuter rail lines; this includes a schedule for deployment of the new electric trains

TransitMatters looks forward to working with legislators as this bill goes to conference committee to ensure that this amendment is included in the final legislation and that the MBTA begins implementation immediately. 

For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org. 

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Earlier

BOSTON, April 8, 2022 —  The Massachusetts Senate yesterday released a summary of S. 2819, the “Act Driving Climate Policy Forward.” As presented by the summary, the bill’s transportation components appear to entrench failed policies and focus on half-measures that will not achieve the Commonwealth’s 2050 net zero emissions goals. It is, in short, a missed opportunity.  We are concerned about three significant gaps in the Senate bill.

First, its failure to support or fund electrified Regional Rail. Transitioning to an electrified Regional Rail system (replacing today’s dirty diesel locomotives) would greatly improve access to mass transit, provide faster trips, and reduce the MBTA’s carbon footprint. Yet the bill as summarized provides no requirement or money for the MBTA to invest in commuter rail electrification. The Commonwealth cannot afford to delay rail electrification.  TransitMatters has set out a clear, evidence-based pathway to introducing reliable electric multiple units (EMUs) to replace the current locomotive fleet. We stand by our several White Paper reports on this topic, and urge the Senate to adopt this as a critical part of their plan.

Second, its failure to provide for decarbonization equity. The bill establishes a fund of $100 million to incentivize the purchase of zero emission vehicles, with as much as a $3,500 rebate available for passenger cars. These public subsidies will go primarily to wealthier people who can afford new electric vehicles.  While subsidies may be necessary to encourage EV adoption, Massachusetts must commit to providing decarbonization subsidy equity to those who do not drive, especially those who cannot afford to own a car. One effective solution would be acting to prevent the MBTA's predicted operating budget shortfall next year. 

Third, its failure to support mode shift to sustainable modes like transit, cycling and walking. The bill does nothing to encourage more use of sustainable mobility - transit, rail, cycling and walking.The time value of carbon emissions reductions is highly important, as emissions are cumulative in effect. The most effective short-term carbon reduction strategy is one focused on encouraging more transit and rail use.  Massachusetts needs to encourage mode shift by funding public transit service to improve frequencies and reliability and also to prevent future fare hikes and service cuts.

The Massachusetts Senate must not let itself be beguiled by the efforts of major polluters to greenwash their operations. We can do better. Our state should face the fact that the best approach to addressing transportation sector carbon emissions is one that is balanced among all modes. Our transport future lies in equitable sustainability, and this Senate bill does not get us there.

For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org. 

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MBTA could electrify commuter rail network for between $800m and $1.5b

MBTA could electrify commuter rail network for between $800m and $1.5b

BOSTON, October 20, 2021 —

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority could electrify its commuter rail network for between $800 million and $1.5 billion, according to a new report from advocacy group TransitMatters out today. Electrification would not only help reduce the Commonwealth's greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero, but also allow the MBTA to run faster, more reliable trains.

"Electrifying our rail network would be a win for everyone in the region," said Jarred Johnson, TransitMatters Executive Director. "People from Lowell or Dorchester will get faster rides into Boston and people in Dorchester and Roxbury will have fewer toxic fumes in their neighborhoods. Teamed with better service, electrification will get people out of cars and open up opportunities for housing." 

According to the report, electrifying the trains using an overhead catenary system is preferable to new technologies like battery power or hydrogen fuel cells for two main reasons: firstly, they are expensive, immature technologies with many hurdles to overcome before they can be deployed in Boston's wintry conditions; secondly, they are much heavier compared to the better solution of electric multiple units, or EMUs. These trains are more like subway or light rail vehicles than the Commuter Rail's traditional use of Diesel locomotives to haul unpowered carriages. As a result, they are lighter, accelerate and brake faster and have fewer moving parts, resulting in greater reliability and longer lifespans.

"EMUs outperform other trains in every respect: speed, acceleration, energy consumption, passenger comfort, operating costs, reliability, procurement costs and maintenance costs," the report states. "Combined, these allow electric trains to cover routes more quickly, and allow significantly more service to be provided with the same number of resources."

The cost estimate is based on international best-practices and does not include extending rail service to New Hampshire or making Cape Cod a year-round service. Nor does it include the Needham Line, which TransitMatters recommends becoming an extension of the Orange Line. Costs also do not include rolling stock, since the MBTA's Diesel locomotives and carriages must be replaced regardless of whether the system is electrified. The cost of high level platforms are also not included as these vary depending on the type of platform, some MBTA stations already have full high level platforms and the MBTA should be building them for greater accessibility regardless.

TransitMatters is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving transit in and around Boston by offering new perspectives, uniting transit advocates and informing the public.    

For media inquiries, please e-mail media@transitmatters.org. 

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October 28, 2021 —

We have issued a revision to our electrification report issued last week due to a misclassification of Caltrain's substations. We have also provided more info in the comparison matrix regarding the figures associated w/ Denmark & Britain's electrification. We thank everyone who promptly brought this to our attention to improve the accuracy of our report. We have replaced the report in kind on our website, so direct links still should work. The abstract contains a summary of revisions.