MBTA Board Approves Keolis Plan to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line

The $54 million agreement will advance the acquisition of Battery Electric trains.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors today approved a $54 million plan to bring battery-electric train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line, which will ultimately result in more frequent service and lower emissions in surrounding communities. Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the MBTA Commuter Rail, submitted an innovation proposal to the MBTA in December 2023 with a plan to introduce battery electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) onto the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.

"This plan is a major win for Fairmount Line riders and our entire state. By electrifying the Fairmount Line, we'll deliver more frequent, reliable service while also moving Massachusetts forward on our climate goals," said Governor Maura Healey. "I'm grateful to Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, General Manager Eng and Keolis for their visionary, innovative work to finalize this plan that will have long-term benefits on our transportation system, environment, economy and overall quality of life."

"All aboard the Fairmount Line! This is an exciting milestone for the MBTA and the communities served by the Fairmount Line, many of which are environmental justice communities," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "I know the team is ready to get to work to deliver these battery electric trains and continue moving our transportation system forward."

These types of trains will provide faster, quieter, more reliable service with notably less air pollution in the environmental justice corridor served by the Fairmount Line. With approval from the MBTA Board of Directors, the MBTA and Keolis can now finalize the details of the contract, including a timeline for service to begin. It is anticipated that trains would run every 20 minutes on weekdays. Subject to the procurement process, the first train is expected to enter service on the Fairmount Line in early 2028.

"I am grateful to the leadership team for their work on this agreement. This is a significant step toward decarbonizing the entire network and positioning the state as a leader in clean energy and climate change,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “These new trains will add to our residents' overall health, especially those living in environmental justice communities. They will ensure that our residents have improved service they deserve now and in the future."

“There have been discussions about electrifying our rail network for many years. This agreement is a gamechanger that will benefit generations of passengers, beginning first on the Fairmount Line,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “By embracing new technologies, we will be able to electrify the Fairmount Line sooner within our existing available funding. Understanding the billions of dollars needed to fully electrify our entire system, this is the first step that I believe will pave the way to a profound transformation that can bring the future of our rail network that much closer. I thank Keolis, the MBTA’s Rail Modernization and Railroad Operations team, and all of our support groups as we focus on delivering improved service that is environmentally friendly for future generations to come.”

BEMU trains use hybrid power with an onboard battery that charges when overhead catenary wires are available, such as at South Station. The trains can then run on battery power. Because they are electric, these trains emit less air pollution and reduce energy consumption. BEMU trains also provide passengers with smoother rides, more space, and a modernized commuting experience. Additionally, BEMUs operate a quieter service, significantly reducing noise and vibration for passengers and residents adjacent to the route, yards, and maintenance facility.

“We’re thrilled that our proposal has been approved and that we are able to partner with the MBTA to introduce decarbonized service to the Fairmount line community,” said Abdellah Chajai, GM and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services. “Battery-electric trains will transform the Fairmount Line, allowing for more frequent trips, more reliable service, and reduced carbon emissions.”

Today’s agreement follows a due diligence posting in March 2024 after the MBTA received Keolis’s proposal. With this agreement in place, Keolis will act as a Project Delivery Partner (“PDP”) to manage the new decarbonized fleet, additional power and charging infrastructure, and a new light maintenance facility. The PDP approach is split into two phases, beginning first with the preparation phase to design and develop procurement documents and following with the delivery phase to project manage and integrate the BEMU fleet.

The Fairmount Commuter Rail Line is the shortest of the Commuter Rail Lines with nine stations (including South Station and Readville). As of April 2024, the line carries approximately 3,200 passengers per day. Battery-electric service will save 1.6 million gallons of fuel and mitigate 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared to diesel.