Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  August 5, 2024

Massachusetts Transit Adds Battery Electric Trains

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors approved a $54 million plan to bring battery-electric train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.

The addition of the new electric trains will result in lower emissions in surrounding communities. The Fairmount Commuter Rail Line is the shortest of the Commuter Rail Lines, with nine stations including South Station and Readville. Battery-electric service will mitigate 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide annually compared to diesel. 

Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the MBTA Commuter Rail, submitted a proposal to the MBTA in December 2023 with a plan to introduce battery electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) onto the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.

The approval from the MBTA board of directors means the MBTA and Keolis can  finalize the details of the contract, including a timeline for service to begin. The first train is expected to enter service on the Fairmount Line in early 2028.

“There have been discussions about electrifying our rail network for many years. This agreement is a game changer that will benefit generations of passengers, beginning first on the Fairmount Line,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng in a statement. “By embracing new technologies, we will be able to electrify the Fairmount Line sooner within our existing available funding. Understanding the billions of dollars needed to fully electrify our entire system, this is the first step that I believe will pave the way to a profound transformation that can bring the future of our rail network that much closer.” 

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. 

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. The PDP approach is split into two phases, beginning with the preparation phase to design and develop procurement documents and continuing with the delivery phase to project manage and integrate the BEMU fleet. 

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