Keolis gets 4-year extension to run MBTA commuter rail

MBTA F40 locomotive idling on Track 1 at Route 128 station, in Westwood, Mass.

—Photo by MBTafan2011

From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)

“In mid-June, New England Council Member Keolis Commuter Services secured a four-year extension of its contract to operate the MBTA’s Commuter Rail service. This contract aims to provide cost certainty and create incentives for improving commuter rail service for the MBTA.  

 “As the MBTA’s Commuter Rail operating partner, Keolis has provided all mechanical, transportation, and engineering services since 2014. Keolis has since added 10,000 more trains per year, piloted a new weekend train service, and implemented various customer improvements. Keolis has also updated and expanded safety protocols, as well as provided more resources for the MBTA Safety Department. Under the new four-year extension, Keolis seeks to invest in the MBTA’s infrastructure, address fare-evasion and non-collection issues, and provide incentives for immediate improvements in Commuter Rail service through performance payments.  

 “Keolis CEO and General Manager David Scorey said, “This extension balances taxpayer and passenger needs as it keeps costs low while also enhancing the passenger experience, including a focus on providing more capacity, further increasing on-time performance and accelerating capital delivery. On behalf of our Keolis Boston team, we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the MBTA and building upon the successful initiatives we’ve delivered together for the Commonwealth and our Commuter Rail passengers.” 

Read more in the MBTA’s press release or in The Boston Globe.

Trying to rebuild trust in public transport

On an MBTA Red Line platform at Boston’s Downtown Crossing station

From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com):

“Keolis was highlighted in Intelligent Transport for its role in providing and operating public transport in 15 countries worldwide in the age of a pandemic.

“In New England, Keolis operates the MBTA’s Commuter Rail system, which serves eastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. In the interview, CEO Bernard Tabary discusses the effects of the pandemic on transport and what Keolis is doing to rebuild public trust in transport solutions and the future of transportation worldwide.’’

Keolis to resume MBTA weekend fare program

MBTA Commuter Rail locomotive at South Station.

This is from The New England Council:

“Keolis North America, a New England Council member, has announced that beginning this month it will resume the $10 Commuter Rail weekend fare pilot program in partnership with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Keolis is contracted to operate the MBTA’s Commuter Rail system, which provides rail service throughout Greater Boston and into Rhode Island.

This program was first piloted during the summer of 2018, with the goal of increasing Commuter Rail ridership and revenue on the weekends. This initiative resulted in more than 180,000 tickets being sold, and very positive feedback from passengers. Like before, this special fare will cover the first train on Saturday to the last train on Sunday, and will apply across all zones and lines.

David Scorey, general manager and CEO of Keolis, said, “The MBTA’s reduced weekend fare initiative gives passengers a convenient and affordable option to visit a number of great destinations across the greater Boston area. We’re pleased to partner with the MBTA to continue this initiative that encourages new passengers to try Commuter Rail, helps to grow ridership, and promotes an environmentally friendly transit option.”