The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will electrify the 9 mile Fairmount Line, the shortest of their 12 commuter rail lines, using battery-electric multiple units. The first BEMU trains are projected to be operating in early 2028.
AASHTO Journal reported on Sept. 13 that the “Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – a division of Massachusetts Department of Transportation – recently signed off on a $54 million plan to introduce battery-electric multiple unit or BEMU trains to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. The first of those BEMU trains are scheduled to go into operation in early 2028.”
Keolis Commuter Services, the company that operates MBTA commuter rail lines, will begin the design and procurement process with the goal of delivering enough BEMU trains to operate 20-minute train service along the line.
Related:
- Boston Commuter Rail Recovering Rapidly, June 5, 2024
- Is it Fair to Blame Commuter Rail Woes on Private Operators? November 28, 2016
According to Wikipedia, the 9-station Fairmont line runs mainly “within Boston, running southwest from South Station through the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Mattapan and Hyde Park,” and “a short portion in Milton.”
“BEMU trains are powered by on-board batteries that are recharged by overhead catenary wires. Instead of locomotives pulling passenger cars, the batteries and motors will be integrated into four-car fixed sets,” adds AASHTO Journal.
An MBTA press release dated July 25 on the MBTA board's approval of the project indicates that catenary exists at South Station where the BEMUs would be recharged. Streetsblog Mass reported rather critically on the project in March, noting the agency's overall approach to electrification.
In fact, in spite of their electrification goals, the T has been ripping out miles of catenary wire that once powered fully-electric bus routes in Cambridge and Watertown.
It appears from the press release that Keolis will select the railcars.
With this 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.
Inquiries were made with both MBTA and Keolis – look for additional information in the comment section below this post if they respond after publication.
The MBTA commuter rail network is the nation's fifth busiest after New York's LIRR and Metro North lines, NJ Transit and Chicago's Metra.
Hat tip to AASHTO Journal weekly newsletter.
FULL STORY: MassDOT Taps Electric Trains for Commuter Rail Line
Boston Transit Ridership Grows Steadily
Ridership on the region’s commuter rail reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March.
Transit Plans Change as the Pandemic Lingers
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) this week proposed cuts to public transit service. In a decision that will likely repeat as more transit agencies undertake similar processes, the MBTA decided to prioritize buses over trains.
In Cities, Transit Isn’t Just for Commuting
A closer look at commuting and ridership shows the differences between urban and suburban transit patterns.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service