$54 million agreement to advance acquisition of battery electric trains; Fairmount will be first Commuter Rail line in Massachusetts to provide 100 percent electric train service

Boston - On August 13, 2024, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Keolis Vice President of Asset Management John Killeen joined community leaders and stakeholders at Morton Street station in Mattapan to celebrate the $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. 

In July 2024, the MBTA Board of Directors approved of Keolis’s innovative plan to introduce battery-electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) onto the Fairmount Line. 

“Today we are one step closer to meeting our goal of operating a fully electric commuter rail system in our state, which is critical for our climate, for our residents, and for our future,” said Governor Healey. “The Fairmount Line – from South Station to Dorchester to Mattapan to Hyde Park – will be the first Commuter Rail line in Massachusetts to provide 100 percent electric train service.  We know how big of a win this is for local residents and stakeholders who have been advocating for this for years, and we are grateful to be able to invest in and build momentum around achieving safe, reliable, sustainable transportation for all of our residents.” 

“This is a historic achievement for transit users who will get faster travel times, more frequent and reliable trains, and better access to the jobs, medical facilities, and opportunities in downtown Boston," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “As an administration, we share a vision of clean, safe, equitable transportation for all, and we are now making that a reality and putting our environmental justice communities first.” 

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.  

“Today is the dawning of a new age for the MBTA, a milestone moment as the T prepares to begin operating the first of what will be dozens of new battery-electric locomotives,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The neighborhoods along the Fairmount Line corridor are being prioritized for these clean energy trains and better health and well-being will be the result for the people who live in these Environmental Justice Communities.” 

“This is an exciting moment for the Fairmount Line and the communities that we serve as we utilize new battery electric technology to bring about transformational upgrades that will have long lasting benefit for generations to come,” said General Manager Phillip Eng. “Understanding that billions of dollars are needed to fully electrify our entire system, we are proud to find a way to bring electrification to this corridor sooner within available fund sources. This work will help inform us as we strive to improve and decarbonize our service on all of our regional rail network. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt for her contributions as we make progress toward our climate goals. The MBTA’s Rail Modernization and Railroad Operations team in partnership with Keolis are committed to fulfilling the goals of the many stakeholders and community members who have advocated for these improvements for decades. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and robust rail service that the public can rely on.” 

“Electrification is the future for more reliable MBTA service and healthier communities, and after years of advocacy, I’m excited to see this happening on the Fairmount Line,” said City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “This investment in more frequent Commuter Rail service with lower emissions is a win-win for the local Boston community, and we’re ready as a city to work with the MBTA and the Commonwealth on this innovation.” 

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 are thrilled that the MBTA and the Healey Administration have placed their trust in Keolis to oversee this historic project to electrify the Fairmount Line,” said General Manager and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services Abdellah Chajai. “The community has been essential in getting this project started, and we’re looking forward to bringing decarbonized services to Dorchester.” 

With the 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.  

Statements of Support 

Senator Liz Miranda: 

“Currently, significant sections of our community are isolated despite close geographic proximity, limiting economic opportunity for our community members. By electrifying and improving service on the Fairmount line, we will not only make public transportation a more equitable and viable option for residents, but we also reduce our carbon footprint within environmental justice neighborhoods of Mattapan, Hyde Park, Dorchester and Roxbury. Every resident of our community deserve access to clean, rapid transit, which we know is a continued barrier to economic mobility and improved public health outcomes. EJ communities are at the forefront of this decision, and I’m proud to see this come to fruition after years of championing electrification of the Fairmount line in the legislature.” 

Senator Mike Rush:

“Fairmount Line electrification is not only a huge victory for Fairmount line riders and neighbors, who will enjoy better, quieter service and improved air quality, but also represents a massive step towards reaching the City and Commonwealth’s climate goals. I am immensely proud of this undertaking and I am grateful to all the state and city partners who have brought us this far and for the tireless advocacy of so many in the community.” 

Senator Nick Collins:

“The announcement of electrification of the Fairmount Line is the culmination of the advocacy of many residents of Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Hyde Park. It will greatly improve the air quality in communities that have for far too long have had a disproportionate impact from diesel trains. I would like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the MBTA leadership and Keolis who worked closely with the community during the process to make this critical infrastructure investment a reality.”

Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley:

"As someone who has ridden the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line for years, I'm beyond excited to see this electrification project finally take shape. This milestone is a direct result of the tireless efforts of our community, the Fairmount Indigo CDC Collaborative, and the support of the Healey-Driscoll administration. This isn't just an upgrade to our transit system—it's a vital step towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Working together with the MBTA and Keolis, we've turned this long-standing vision into a transformative reality for our neighborhoods."  

Representative Russell Holmes:

“Today we deliver on the promises made to this community. A community that has deserved and demanded high quality, reliable, frequent, and environmentally conscious public transportation for generations. I thank the Healey Administration, Mayor Wu, Congresswoman Pressley, the MBTA, and Keolis for continuing to listen to the Fairmount Indigo Coalition and the many transit advocates by making what was considered a dream by many into a reality. This reality builds on the success that has made the Fairmount Line surpass pandemic ridership numbers and we look forward to seeing many more riders in years to come.” 

Representative Rob Consalvo:

“I am thrilled to hear about the MBTA's Plans to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.  Many thanks to Governor Healey, MBTA GM Phillip Eng and the Governor's entire team for their hard work in making this historic investment happen.  A special thanks also goes out to the many community leaders, neighborhood groups and non-profits who fought tirelessly for years to make this a reality." 

Mela Bush, Co Chair, Fairmount Indigo Transit Coalition:

“I grew up along the Fairmount Line and watched trains go by with people going to the suburbs, and we had to look through the fence, wishing we could get on the train and go where we needed to go. And now, after fighting for new stations and cutting the ribbon on those in 2013 and lowering the fares, the riders and residents who fought for these victories will now be able to see the full vision of clean-running trains that will improve our air quality and quality of life. This is the biggest win and victory for our communities who so desperately need to improve the air quality, extend their lives, and improve their health. We are so excited to be here and be able to see this battery electric train system be launched. Hopefully, a few years from now, we’ll be standing here, getting on that train, and riding the inaugural run. This is a win-win for everyone.” 

Jarred Johnson, Executive Director, Transit Matters:

"I am thrilled that the Governor is not only fulfilling a campaign promise but also making real the promise of transit equity for neighborhoods that have long awaited it. The success of the Fairmount Line proves that when you improve service, ridership follows. This line is the future of Commuter Rail.” 

Pamela Jones, Treasurer, Greater Mattapan Neighborhood Council:

“The adoption of battery-electric trains is a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint, particularly in underserved communities. I appreciate the MBTA and Governor for considering the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line as part of this initial journey toward a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transportation system. I understand Massachusetts wants to become a leader in green transit and this initiative will bring positive impacts to the Mattapan and Dorchester communities.”  

Shavel'le Olivier, Executive Director, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition:

“Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) is excited about the electrification of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. As an organization that focuses on overall health and wellness of Mattapan residents through advocating and creating opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity, transportation is a major factor that contributes to the success of our residents’ wellbeing. Now residents will have another reliable and relatively quick way to travel around the City of Boston and get to their places of needs. The electrification of this line will hopefully improve the air quality for those who live close to it, thus positively affecting the lives of residents.”  

Caitlin Allen-Connelly, Senior Advisor on Transportation, A Better City:

“More frequent, electrified service on the Commuter Rail’s Fairmount Line will address public health inequities in an environmental justice community and serve as a critical pilot project. A Better City applauds the MBTA Board of Directors decision to advance the decarbonization of our public transit system in line with the Commonwealth’s 2050 goals and bring us one step closer to fast, all-day Regional Rail service. Now is the time to advance rail transformation. A Better City stands ready to support the MBTA in making Rail Vision a reality.” 

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