The MassDOT Board of Directors today unanimously approved MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott’s recommendation to provide a new commuter rail contract to French firm Keolis.

Keolis’ 12-year, $4.26 billion contract includes eight-years guaranteed, with four options tacked on the back end. Unlike the existing Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. contract, the new deal doesn’t include any incentives, and holds the operator (Keolis) accountable if performance standards aren’t up to par.

Passenger approval was specifically targeted in the Keolis contract. According to a release from the MBTA, outside of on-time performance, fifty percent of all financial penalties the operator will be subject to will be linked to overall cleanliness, heating and air conditioning, maintaing staff levels and general communication with riders.

If and when service is disrupted, the operator will be obligated to: add staff, promptly notify customers and the MBTA about the situation and its impact, and provide alternate transportation when necessary.

The MBCR’s current contract costs $4.51 billion. The new deal will save the MBTA $254 million.

The new operator will be required to hire current commuter rail employees, in order of seniority.