Keolis Commuter Services announced it will add 54 new conductors and assistant conductors on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail system by the end of 2015, part of a comprehensive Service Improvement Plan finalized last month with the MBTA.

Specific job responsibilities include on-board fare collection, assisting people as they board and exit trains, managing issues impacting on-time performance and ensuring the safety of the 127,000 passengers who ride MBTA Commuter Rail each day.

“This staffing increase is part of our commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience, while also ensuring that we operate on schedule and everyone who boards a commuter rail train pays their fare,” said Gerald C. Francis, Keolis Commuter Services General Manager. “We will continue to monitor staffing levels and listen to customer feedback to ensure we are providing the quality service that passengers expect and deserve every day.”

Seventeen new assistant conductors began work on June 27, another 17 begin on September 12, with another group of 15 beginning service in October. An additional 15 conductors will then be hired and trained by the end of the year.

The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board recently endorsed the plan developed by the MBTA and Keolis to improve service and operations over the next five months. Areas of focus include on-time performance, staffing, customer service, fare collection, equipment maintenance and winter weather resiliency plans.

“At Keolis, we make it our mission to understand the transportation needs of the communities we serve, including Boston, by conducting surveys, holding on-line discussions, and sending our managers into the field for face-to-face meetings with passengers,” Francis said. “As we continue to implement changes that will improve the commuter rail experience, I look forward and welcome feedback from our passengers about what is working and what can work better.”