Keolis Commuter Services cleaning program improves stations, railcars
The train-cleaning program has involved more than 100 people working over 8,000 hours scrubbing over 1 million square feet of equipment as Keolis aims to clean all 422 commuter rail passenger cars. Seats have been thoroughly wiped down, the stainless steel doors and windows shined, vents cleared of grime, and floor thoroughly mopped.
Keolis Commuter Services has completed the cleaning of all commuter rail passenger cars operating from Boston’s North Station, and all passenger cars operating out of South Station should be cleaned in the coming weeks — part of Keolis’ commitment to improve the passenger experience for Greater Boston.
Keolis began operating the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) 14 commuter rail lines July 1 with a pledge to increase on-time performance and improve safety, cleanliness and customer service. The train-cleaning program has involved more than 100 people working over 8,000 hours scrubbing over 1 million square feet of equipment as Keolis aims to clean all 422 commuter rail passenger cars. Seats have been thoroughly wiped down, the stainless steel doors and windows shined, vents cleared of grime, and floor thoroughly mopped.
“Combined with the recent addition of new coaches and locomotives to the fleet, this stepped-up cleaning initiative is an important part of our efforts to increase ridership on the Commuter Rail system,” said MBTA GM Beverly A. Scott.
The cleaning program is continuing on the system’s larger south side, with about 15 train sets already completed. Work is expected to be complete by the end of this month, when Keolis Commuter Services workers will begin the process again.
A video detailing the passenger car-cleaning program:
.
Cleaning commuter rail stations has also been an important priority. Station cleaning began at the stroke of midnight on the day the company began operating the contract. To date, 715 square feet of North Station has been power washed, and 247,000 square feet cleaned along with 12 cubic yards of trash. At Worcester’s Union Station, 50,000 square feet has been cleaned and 5 cubic yards of trash removed. The work will continue system wide until every station is clean, and then the process will begin again, said company officials.
Along the commuter rail right-of-way along Ipswich Street near Fenway Park, Keolis workers picked up 2 cubic yards of trash ranging from car parts to municipal waste. The MBTA is the fifth-busiest rail system in the U.S., serving 127,000 passengers daily with 14 lines, 138 stations and 500 daily trains.
More Management

Amtrak Board Advances Plan to Restructure Organization, Seeks Public Input
The proposal, developed by Amtrak management and approved by the board for further consideration, is intended to modernize the organization's structure while improving accountability, operational efficiency, and customer service.
Read More →
Turn Transit Data Into Action
Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.
Read More →
What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation
Once viewed primarily as transit operators, agencies are now leveraging land, partnerships, and long-term planning to boost ridership, expand housing, and strengthen communities.
Read More →
USDOT Announces $22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates High-Speed Rail Rules
New federal transit funding will support safety, accessibility, and technology projects as updated rail regulations establish new noise standards for high-speed trains.
Read More →
Transportation Construction Coalition Unveils Infrastructure Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline
The coalition noted the next surface transportation bill should provide sustained investment in highways and public transit to strengthen freight movement, improve safety, and support economic growth.
Read More →
People Movement: American Bus Association Extends Ferguson and More
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
MBTA Rolls Out Pilot Programs to Cut Costs, Simplify Travel
Three new fare pilots — including unlimited two-hour transfers, reduced express bus fares, and free transit for eligible seniors — will launch this fall as Massachusetts extends popular commuter rail discounts through November.
Read More →
FTA Opens $610 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Infrastructure Projects
The latest Notice of Funding Opportunity provides transit agencies with funding for bus facilities, fleet modernization, and low- and no-emission vehicles, with applications due September 21.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →