Event Recap: Investing in Our Commuter Rail: A Path to a Decarbonized, More Competitive, Affordable, and Equitable Region
December 18, 2024
On December 17, 2024, A Better City convened over 100 leaders from the business, public, and advocacy sectors at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston for "Investing in Our Commuter Rail, Investing in Our Future." This event underscored the urgent need to transform Greater Boston's commuter rail network into a high frequency, decarbonized, regional rail system. This transformation will not only tackle challenges like traffic congestion and climate change but also promote equity, expand access to affordable housing, and strengthen the region's economic competitiveness.
The event featured insightful presentations and discussions, including opening remarks from Tom McGee, MBTA Board Chair, and an overview of MBTA commuter rail modernization efforts from Mike Muller, Executive Director of Commuter Rail, MBTA. Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis Group Commuter Services in Boston, highlighted the plan to decarbonize the Fairmount Line and improve service delivery with 20-minute headways.
A panel of industry experts from A Better City member companies provided valuable perspectives on key aspects of modernization:
- Jay Duncan, Global Transportation Planning Director, AECOM
- Dani Simons, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs Americas, Alstom
- Jeffrey Tubbs, Principal, Arup
- David Diaz, Senior Vice President, National Rail & Transit, HNTB
To achieve this vision for a 21st-century commuter rail system, the event highlighted three key priorities:
Key Priorities for Modernization:
Transitioning to a regional rail model: This involves increasing service frequency, expanding service hours, and improving connectivity to create a more integrated and accessible transportation network. As highlighted by Mike Muller, this shift will better serve the region's evolving needs, including growing ridership, shifting demographics, and increased demand for travel options beyond traditional commuting hours.
Decarbonizing the system: Shifting to a more sustainable commuter rail system through electrification and other clean technologies is essential for reducing emissions and improving air quality. The MBTA is actively exploring electrification options, including Battery Electric Multiple Units (BEMUs) and discontinuous catenary, and piloting BEMU technology on the Fairmount Line.
Securing a modern contract: The upcoming commuter rail contract presents a critical opportunity to prioritize performance, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. The MBTA is analyzing various contract models, including Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM) and other Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), to leverage private sector expertise and ensure long-term sustainability.
The MBTA is actively developing its procurement strategy, having gathered information from 32 responses to its Request for Information (RFI) issued in March 2024. The MBTA aims to finalize the contract model by the end of Q1 2025, followed by this procurement timeline:
- Q1 2025: Release of Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- Q3 2025: Shortlisting of bidders and release of Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Q3 2026: Proposals due
- Q4 2026: Contract awards
- Q1 2027: Mobilization and commencement of new contract
A Better City will continue to monitor the procurement process.
Moving forward, the success of commuter rail modernization hinges on continued collaboration and a focus on the following crucial next steps:
Next Steps:
Advocating for increased investment: A Better City will actively advocate for increased state and federal funding to support commuter rail modernization.
Promoting public-private partnerships: Exploring innovative procurement models, including financing models and public-private partnerships that can help accelerate modernization efforts and ensure the long-term financial viability of the system.
Engaging the public: A Better City will continue to educate the public about the benefits of a modernized commuter rail system and advocate for policies that prioritize rider needs.
This event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating a transportation system that meets the needs of a growing and evolving region. A Better City remains dedicated to working with stakeholders across all sectors to ensure a modern, efficient, and sustainable commuter rail system that contributes to a more prosperous, healthy, and connected Greater Boston.
