On August 13, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) celebrated the $54 million plan to introduce battery-powered train service on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. In July, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors approved Keolis Commuter Services’ plan to introduce battery-powered multiple unit trains (BEMUs) on the Fairmount Line.

“Today, we are one step closer to our goal of operating an all-electric commuter rail system in our state. This is critical for our climate, our residents, and our future,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “The Fairmount Line – from South Station through Dorchester and Mattapan to Hyde Park – will be the first commuter rail line in Massachusetts to be 100 percent electric. We know what a huge win this is for the residents and local stakeholders who have been advocating for this for years, and we are grateful to be able to invest in and drive forward the creation of a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system for all of our residents.”

“This is a historic victory for transit users, who will get shorter travel times, more frequent and reliable trains, and better access to the jobs, healthcare, and opportunities in downtown Boston,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As an administration, we share the vision of clean, safe, and equitable transit for all, and we are now putting it into action, putting our environmental justice communities first.”

The BEMUs will provide faster, quieter, and more reliable service with significantly less air pollution in the environmental corridor served by the Fairmount Line. With approval from the MBTA board, MBTA and Keolis can now finalize the details of the contract, including a timeline for entry into service. Trains are expected to run every 20 minutes on weekdays. Subject to the procurement process, the first train is expected to begin service on the Fairmount Line in early 2028.

“Today marks a new era, a milestone, for the MBTA as the MBTA prepares to put the first of dozens of new battery-powered locomotives into service,” said MassDOT Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Neighborhoods along the Fairmount Line corridor will be prioritized for use of these clean energy trains, and the people living in these environmental justice communities will see better health and well-being.”

“This is an exciting moment for the Fairmount Line and the communities we serve as we leverage new battery-electric technology to deliver breakthrough improvements that will have long-term benefits for generations to come,” said MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “Knowing that billions of dollars are needed to fully electrify our entire system, we are proud to have found a way to accelerate electrification of this corridor within available funding. This work will help us improve and decarbonize our service across our entire 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 Rail Operations team, in partnership with Keolis, is committed to meeting the goals of the many stakeholders and community members who have advocated for these improvements for decades. We are committed to providing safe, reliable and resilient rail services that the public can rely on.”

BEMU trains use hybrid propulsion with a built-in battery that is charged when overhead power lines are available, such as at South Station. The trains can then run on battery power. Because they are electric, these trains produce less air pollution and reduce energy consumption. BEMU trains also offer passengers a quieter ride, more space and a modern commuter experience.

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

“We are thrilled that the MBTA and the Healey Administration have placed their trust in Keolis to oversee this historic Fairmount Line electrification project,” said Abdellah Chajai, general manager and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services. “The community has been critical to getting this project started, and we look forward to bringing decarbonized service to Dorchester.”

With the agreement, Keolis will act as 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 divided into two phases: first, the preparation phase to design and develop procurement documents, followed by the delivery phase to manage the project 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 will carry about 3,200 passengers per day. MassDOT notes that the battery-electric service saves 1.6 million gallons of fuel and avoids 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared to diesel.