The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR) posted contractual On Time Performance (OTP) for MBTA Commuter Rail of 97.2% in April, well above the 95% benchmark set forth by the MBTA.

Contractual OTP accounts for factors outside MBCR’s control, including medical emergencies, shared use of infrastructure with other railroads and extreme weather.

“Everyone at MBCR is extremely pleased that our employees’ hard work, diligence and continual focus on improvement is delivering excellent results to our customers,” said Hugh J. Kiley Jr., MBCR GM. “MBCR’s team of 1,900 skilled railroad professionals could not be prouder that the tireless work they undertake every day to provide the public with a consistently high level of service is benefiting customers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The level of OTP performance is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of all of our employees.”

Over the past year (May 2012-April 2013), contractual OTP exceeded 95.7%. MBCR has met or exceeded the 95% benchmark for the past four years and eight of the past 10 years. The level of service in April capped a seven-month stretch marked by harsh winter weather conditions and impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy.

In April, MBCR also recorded 94.64% OTP, as experienced by the customer, which includes delays caused by outside factors. This was the highest monthly OTP recorded since 2006 and the fourth-highest since July 2003.

Working with an aging fleet of commuter rail vehicles and sharing infrastructure with several other railroads, MBCR and the MBTA have successfully partnered over the years to deliver increased levels of investment directly into the commuter rail system. MBCR continues to work with the MBTA to deliver consistently safe and reliable service through innovation.

Further planned track work, including signal upgrades on the Fitchburg line and laying down a second track along the Haverhill line to permit greater maneuverability of trains, is underway and expected to improve commuter rail service in the future.