Boston’s MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the operations and maintenance partner for the MBTA’s Commuter Rail, completed a project to replace over 28 miles of rail on the Fairmount Line. 

The work prepares the line for the introduction of battery-electric trains in the coming years while ensuring a reliable, safe ride for passengers today. This project alone replaced more rail than is typical across the entire Commuter Rail network in a year. 

On December 1, the Fairmount Line will return to its regular schedule, with 30-minute service throughout most of the day.

The current Providence/Stoughton and Franklin/Foxboro schedules will remain in effect until further notice to allow additional Amtrak repair work. 

Electrification Coming to MBTA’s Commuter System

In July 2024, the MBTA board approved a Keolis proposal to electrify the Fairmount Line with battery-electric trains. 

The rail replacement work is the first step in bringing these trains to the line. The new trains will provide faster, quieter, and more reliable service with notably less air pollution in the environmental justice corridor served by the Fairmount Line. 

Additionally, passengers will benefit from smoother rides, more space, and a modernized, quieter travel experience with less noise and vibration. These trains use hybrid power, with an onboard battery that charges when overhead catenary wires are available. The rail replacement work is the first step in bringing these trains to the line.     

“Battery-electric trains and the infrastructure supporting them will deliver a quieter, cleaner, and more reliable ride for our passengers,” said Interim Secretary and MBTA GM Phillip Eng. “I'm thankful to our riders who use the Fairmount Line for their patience as we accelerate significant track renewal work critical to bringing battery-electric trains for our riders and neighbors along this corridor.”

Crews replaced nearly 158,000 feet of rail after the $12 million project began in June. The record pace ensured the work could be completed on time while trains continued to operate on the line during peak travel periods.   

While the construction schedule was in place, crews also completed other vital projects, including power washing and deep cleaning all stations and platforms, removing graffiti, clearing trash from the right-of-way, and improving drainage.