Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Fairmount Line on the MBTA Commuter Rail could be running cleaner, greener, and faster in the coming years.
In a proposal submitted Friday, Commuter Rail operator Keolis outlined a plan to replace the line's diesel-powered engines with a fleet of battery-electric trains.
The new trains would be better for the environment and offer improved safety and "better passenger experience and quality," the proposal states.
They would also arrive every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends, according to Keolis; currently, diesel-powered Fairmount Line trains arrive every 45 minutes on weekdays and every 90 minutes on weekends.
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"I believe an electrical system would definitely improve the efficiency of our travel and commute," one Fairmount Line rider told WBZ NewsRadio Monday morning.
"Yeah, if it’s better for the environment, why not, and if it’s faster, it’s helping lives," another rider said.
Keolis's contract with the MBTA expires June 2026. According to the proposal, Keolis plans to "initiate the project and ensure that it can be transitioned to another vendor at any date following June 30, 2026, with such transition to be conducted at the MBTA’s discretion."
The new fleet could be in service by the end of 2027.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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