MBTA renews commuter rail contract 2 years

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) renewed its operate and maintain contract for Boston's commuter rail system for two more years.

The contract is executed by the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company (MBCR); a subsidiary owned 60 percent by Veolia Transport in partnership with Bombardier (20 percent) and Alternate Concepts Inc. (20 percent).

The original contract with the city of Boston was signed in 2003 for five years, with three-year and two-year extension options. In 2008, MBCR obtained the first extension through July 2011. With this latest two-year extension, the contract will run through to the end of June 2013. For MBCR, the contract will generate revenue of approximately $600 million for the two additional years.

For the duration of the contract, Veolia Transport is committed to targets for quality of service, including customer service and for staff training.