Event Recap: Investing in Our Commuter Rail, Investing in Our Future
December 18, 2024
Kate Dineen welcomed everyone to the discussion of procurement for the next commuter rail contract by the MBTA held on December 17, 2024 at the Federal Reserve Bank.
Thomas McGee, Chair of the MBTA Board, introduced the topic by saying that he prefers using the term “Regional Rail” rather than Commuter Rail because it better communicates the role of a 21st Century transit system that is a seven day per week operation. It is important to talk to the public at large about the opportunity that we have to make a better future by modernizing the system.
Mike Muller, Executive Director of Commuter Rail for the MBTA, presented slides on the Path Forward for Modernizing the MBTA Commuter Rail Network. Mr. Muller said that rail modernization is about transforming the legacy Commuter Rail System into a high frequency, decarbonized “regional” rail service. The system will have regular clock face service, for all types of riders on updated trains under a modern contract structure.
Goals for the modernization include supporting regional growth, equity, and environmental justice providing better connections between areas of affordable housing and employment centers. Decarbonization, safety, on-time performance, reliability, and operational flexibility are important with a highly skilled workforce maintained to support the transition.
A phased approach will be required to replace the fleet of locomotives and coaches that will explore different types and technologies as they are available over time.
Mr. Muller said that the MBTA is analyzing different contract structures to deliver modernization, including long versus short term contracts, single versus split contracts, rolling stock procurement and maintenance, and strategies for capital investment in infrastructure.
Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Commuter Services in Boston, described work underway on improvements on the Fairmount Line. Two goals are to launch a decarbonized passenger service on the Fairmount Line, and to expedite the decarbonization of the Commuter Rail network and introduce battery technology.
Kate Dineen moderated a panel discussion of industry experts to discuss procurement models, technology, financing and best practices.
In his remarks, David Diaz, Senior Vice President of HNTB National Rail and Transit, emphasized consideration of alternative service delivery models and the need to de-risk the contract.
Dani Simon, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs – Americas for Alstom, discussed addressing challenges of Massachusetts weather and existing infrastructure with a need to be creative, consider hybrid solutions, and different financial models.
