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

Financing, Fleet Replacement Requires a More Strategic Approach
Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →