Rick Dimino

Massachusetts stands at a critical juncture for the future of its commuter rail system. Today, ridership levels have essentially returned to pre-pandemic numbers, with over 550,000 passengers relying on commuter rail each week.

This system serves as a lifeline, connecting people across central and eastern Massachusetts to jobs, education, healthcare and cultural opportunities. Yet, it operates on aging infrastructure and outdated diesel trains.

With smart investment, thoughtful management and a clear vision, commuter rail can be transformed into a 21st-century system capable of addressing the economic, environmental and social challenges facing the commonwealth.

In the coming weeks, MassDOT and the MBTA are expected to unveil details about their plans for the future of commuter rail. A few years ago, MassDOT completed a planning process called Regional Rail Vision, outlining a bold approach to modernizing the system.

Regional rail envisions frequent train service – potentially every 20 minutes throughout the urban core and every 30 to 60 minutes in communities beyond Route 128. This vision relies on cleaner, quieter and faster electric-powered trains that would run consistently throughout the day, rather than being confined to morning and evening commutes.

The benefits of regional rail are substantial and transformative. Modern, dependable train service would reduce traffic congestion by encouraging more commuters to leave their cars behind and travel by rail. It can expand workforce housing opportunities by making commuting from more feasible from outside of the urban core.

Electrifying the fleet would also cut harmful emissions from diesel-powered trains, improving air quality and public health in communities along transit corridors. While these upgrades require significant investment in vehicles, infrastructure and power systems, the benefits are undeniable.

New Contract Is Generational Opportunity

The MBTA is in the process of finalizing the next operating contract for the commuter rail system. Currently, the commonwealth owns the infrastructure and vehicles, while a private vendor manages day-to-day operations and maintenance.

Since 2014, Keolis has held this contract, which includes expectations for maintaining vehicles and system infrastructure. Unfortunately, larger investments, such as fleet electrification and infrastructure modernization, depend on state and federal funding.

This upcoming contract renewal represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine how commuter rail service is delivered in Massachusetts. Instead of a routine contract extension, the state should seriously consider splitting the contract into two distinct roles: One contract for a vendor to do operations and maintenance, and another contact for a passenger rail developer tasked with long-term system improvements. These upgrades could include electrification, enhanced service frequency, urban and regional connectivity and resiliency upgrades.

This “unbundled” approach has been successful in other global rail systems and could allow Massachusetts to attract specialized expertise in both daily operations and long-term infrastructure planning.

The MBTA must ensure the procurement process sets the stage for a truly competitive and entrepreneurial bidding environment. The contract should encourage bold, innovative proposals from firms with proven success in managing complex rail systems and navigating labor relations effectively. Given the size and importance of the MBTA contract – one of the largest in North America – it’s reasonable to expect significant interest from leading transportation firms.

State Support: An Essential Component

No matter how the next commuter rail contract is structured, public investment will remain essential. Modernizing commuter rail is a multigenerational undertaking, far exceeding the scope of typical infrastructure projects. The public sector must provide adequate resources for oversight, infrastructure upgrades, and for ongoing improvements.

One predictable funding stream could come from expanded financing backed by revenue from the Fair Share Amendment surtax. While this surtax is currently supporting new transportation and education investments, there are opportunities to expand longer financing plans and direct this money towards major transformational infrastructure upgrades, like regional rail.

However, funding alone won’t guarantee success. Innovation, ambition and strong leadership from state officials will be just as important. This next rail contract must be viewed as a chance to reimagine the system and set a course for lasting improvements – not just as a routine contract that keeps the current expectations on commuter rail in place.

The vision of a modern, reliable and decarbonized regional rail network is clear, the tools are within reach, and the time for action is now. With bold leadership, smart planning and strong partnerships from private sector transportation firms, Massachusetts can transform its commuter rail system into a model for the nation.

This is a pivotal moment – one that we cannot afford to miss. If we seize this opportunity, we’ll build a transportation network that serves Massachusetts today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Rick Dimino is president emeritus of A Better City and a member of the MassDOT board of directors.

A Pivotal Moment for Upgrading the Commuter Rail System

by Rick Dimino time to read: 3 min
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