The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors has approved a $54 million initiative to introduce battery-electric trains on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. This plan, put forward by Keolis Commuter Services, aims to increase service frequency and reduce emissions in the communities served by the line.
Keolis submitted their proposal in December 2023, outlining a vision for integrating battery-electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) into the Fairmount Line operations. The new trains are expected to provide quieter, faster, and more reliable service while significantly lowering air pollution levels.
The approval by the MBTA Board allows for the finalization of the contract details, including the project timeline. The plan includes running trains every 20 minutes on weekdays, with the first battery-electric train anticipated to enter service in early 2028.
The Fairmount Line, which currently carries about 3,200 passengers daily, will benefit from the reduced noise and vibration that BEMU trains offer. These trains utilize a hybrid power system with onboard batteries that charge at stations with overhead catenary wires, such as South Station, allowing them to run on battery power alone on other parts of the line. The Fairmount Line is the shortest in the MBTA's commuter rail system, with nine stations including South Station and Readville.
This project is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the rail network, contributing to the state's clean energy and climate goals. The introduction of BEMU trains is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 17,700 tons annually compared to the current diesel-powered trains.
Keolis will manage the new fleet and infrastructure as a Project Delivery Partner (PDP), overseeing both the preparation and delivery phases of the project. This includes designing procurement documents, project managing the new fleet, and integrating the BEMU trains into the existing network.
