MBTA employees to use 'biometric' time clock at rail facility

Keolis Commuter Services launched a new, technologically advanced time clock system that uses biometric scanning to improve the accuracy and ease of timekeeping processes at all Keolis mechanical facilities.

This new system, which has been in the works for more than a year, will enable employees to clock in and out by swiping their finger and tapping in a personalized PIN number, replacing the current badge system.

A biometric scan is a read of certain features of a specific finger. The system utilizes an algorithm to validate the identity of the employee in conjunction with their unique numerical PIN.

The new technology was rolled out December 2 at the MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility (often known by its former name of Boston Engine Terminal, or BET), the primary train maintenance repair facility for the MBTA Commuter Rail system. It also serves as a layover/storage site for trains that operate in and out of North Station. Registration for the new time clock system began on Monday, Dec. 5th at the BET, along with the Readville Repair Facility, and the Southampton Street Yard at Widett Circle, which services trains running in and out of South Station. The new system goes into effect on Dec. 16 for approximately 550 Keolis mechanical employees.

“This new program, widely used by many businesses around the world, will enable Keolis to bring a modern approach to tracking time and attendance, freeing our staff to focus their time getting locomotives and coaches back into service more quickly to ensure our passengers get where they need to go,” said Ernest Piper, Acting Chief Mechanical Officer at Keolis Commuter Services.