The MBTA could have a new commuter rail operator if the MassDOT board of directors approves a recommendation by the T’s general manager.

According to the Boston Globe, MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott wants to award the “largest operating contract in state history” to French firm Keolis, rather than current commuter rail operator for 11 years, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR), citing anonymous sources.

The reported billion dollar deal would start when the MBCR’s contract expires in late June. A current proposal would see Keolis ink an eight-year deal, with additional options tacked on, the Globe reports.

If approved, the MBTA could see a new commuter rail operator for the first time since 2003, once the MBCR’s contract expires.

Should Keolis be awarded the new commuter rail contract, the MBTA would become only the second transit system in the United States to have the firm operate commuter trains. Keolis has operated trains for the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) – which provides trips to Union Station, in Washington D.C. – since 2010.

The firm is responsible for bus and trolley services in several California cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, in Las Vegas, and multiple Florida cities, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Keolis is France’s largest public transportation operator, and has transit contracts worldwide –throughout Europe, in China and Australia.