MBTA to Electrify its First Commuter Rail Line

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.

2 minute read

September 18, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid


CLose-up of MBTA "T" logo on building.

Michael Moloney / Adobe Stock

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:

According to Wikipedia, the 9-station Fairmont line runs mainly “within Boston, running southwest from South Station through the neighborhoods of DorchesterMattapan and Hyde Park,” and “a short portion in Milton.”

Map of MBTA Fairmont Line
Credit: MBTA

“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.

Friday, September 13, 2024 in AASHTO Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight