MBTA 2025-03-24-commuter-rail-map-v.42fDownload MBTA on Dec. 18 reported that three shortlisted teams have received initial Request for Proposals (RFP) for managing, operating, and maintaining the Commuter Rail system; the current contract with Keolis Commuter Services expires June 30, 2027. MBTA offers 14 commuter lines serving the Greater Boston region and Rhode Island; nearly 90,000 passengers rider on weekday. The three shortlisted qualified teams are (in alphabetical order): Keolis – Alstom JV Partners: a joint venture of Keolis America Inc. and Alstom Transport USA Inc. Mass Regional Rail: a consortium of Alternate Concepts Inc., TransitAmerica Services Inc. and RATP Développement S.A. A consortium of Transdev North America, Inc. and Transport UK Holdings Limited. The Commuter Rail system “has achieved many significant milestones following the COVID-19 pandemic,” MBTA said. “Embracing a new and bold approach, schedules across the network were rewritten, shifting to consistent all-day service. The flexibility offered by these new schedules has led to ridership recovery unmatched by most Commuter Rail systems across the country.” The transit agency noted that it is “advancing work to continue to improve service frequency,” including 30-minute headways on the Framingham/Worcester Line; that reliability “continues to be improved” through projects like the upcoming upgrades at North Station; and that safety “continues to be the number one priority,” including through safety enhancements at nearly 300 at-grade crossings across the network. According to MBTA, the objective is for the next operating partner “to build upon these successes, upgrading the legacy Commuter Rail system to a modernized, high-frequency Regional…
