The future of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line is charged with potential as Massachusetts officials gather in celebration of a transformative $54 million initiative. In a statement obtained by Mass.gov, Governor Maura Healey expressed her enthusiasm for the state's commitment to electrification, hailing it as "critical for our climate, for our residents, and for our future." The plan introduces battery-electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) to the line, promising a fully electric rail system with increased frequency and reduced emissions.
The MBTA Board of Directors approved the innovative project in July, with services anticipated to commence in early 2028. These BEMUs are not just rail vehicles; they are harbingers of a more sustainable transit future. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll underscored the project's significance, saying, "This is a historic achievement for transit users who will get faster travel times, more frequent and reliable trains, and better access to the jobs, medical facilities, and opportunities in downtown Boston."
With less than 3,200 daily passengers as of April 2024, the Fairmount Line is the shortest of Massachusetts' commuter rail lines, but this upgrade stands to substantially increase ridership. "This is an exciting moment for the Fairmount Line and the communities that we serve as we utilize new battery electric technology to bring about transformational upgrades that will have long lasting benefit for generations to come," General Manager Phillip Eng told Mass.gov. Energy savings and carbon reduction are front and center, with anticipated savings of 1.6 million gallons of fuel and a cut of 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
MBTA and Keolis have now set their sights on realizing this electrified dream, an endeavor supported by a two-phased Project Delivery Partner approach. "We are thrilled that the MBTA and the Healey Administration have placed their trust in Keolis to oversee this historic project to electrify the Fairmount Line," said General Manager and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services Abdellah Chajai. The city of Boston shares the sentiment, with Mayor Michelle Wu expressing excitement over the dual outcomes of increased rail service and lower emissions. BEMUs will offer passengers a smoother, quieter ride through the use of an onboard battery that charges via overhead catenary wires, and run on battery power when wires aren't available.
The move to electrify the Fairmount Line goes beyond new trains—it's a shift towards cleaner, more reliable transit that benefits the environmental justice communities along the route. Supported by local and state leaders, the line from Mattapan to Hyde Park is set to become a model for sustainable urban travel. Discover more about this initiative and its impact on Boston and nearby areas.
