Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) officials said the agency’s Fiscal and Management Control Board has extended its commuter rail contract extension with Keolis Commuter Services, LLC, through June 30, 2026.
The four-year extension incentivizes better service and provides cost certainty in a challenging market. The eight-year contract began July 1, 2014, and is slated to expire June 30, 2022. There are options for a pair of two-year extensions through 2024 and 2026.
Keolis Commuter Services serves as the MBTA’s Commuter Rail operating partner, officials said, providing all mechanical, transportation, and engineering services.
“Our main goals are to provide continuity and the best possible service for our Commuter Rail customers, as well as provide adequate time to plan for a future transformational procurement. With this extension in place, we look forward to continuing this partnership with Keolis,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said. “This extension includes a number of additional benefits for riders, including further incentives for on-time performance, measures to address fare evasion, and flexibility and cost certainty in a challenging market.”
The performance-based agreement includes a fixed price for a certain level of service and penalties connected to on-time performance and passenger comfort.
“We’re pleased the MBTA recommended and the board voted to extend Keolis’ contract for four years, exercising the full term of the contract options,” Keolis Commuter Services CEO and General Manager David Scorey said. “This extension balances taxpayer and passenger needs as it keeps costs low while also enhancing the passenger experience, including a focus on providing more capacity, further increasing on-time performance, and accelerating capital delivery. On behalf of our Keolis Boston team, we look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the MBTA and building upon the successful initiatives we’ve delivered together for the Commonwealth and our Commuter Rail passengers.”