French firm Keolis will take over as the new MBTA commuter rail operator Tuesday, July 1.
Keolis was awarded the operating contract in January, when the MassDOT board of directors voted to approve T general manager Bev Scott’s recommendation. The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR) has been the commuter rail operator for the past 11 years.
Keolis inked a 12-year (eight years guaranteed) deal, worth $4.26 billion. MBCR’s current operating contract costs the T $4.51 billion
The contract includes no added incentives, thus holding Keolis accountable for substandard performance. Terms of the deal also dictate 50 percent of all financial penalties Keolis is subject to be related to cleanliness, heating and air conditioning, overall communication with T riders and maintaining appropriate staff levels.
Keolis will be required to hire current commuter rail employees in order of seniority.
Though the new operating contract appears to place a premium on customer satisfaction, T riders ought not to expect a experience a sudden, dramatic change in service. The Boston Globe’s Martine Powers writes, “For the average commuter, little will feel different. Keolis officials say their primary goal for the switchover will be an unremarkable inaugural week.”
GM Scott reiterated that sentiment, telling the Globe she expects to see a “smooth and seamless transition.”
Since winning the contract, Keolis – on top of prepping for the its July 1 takeover – has faced backlash from the MBCR, which asked a Suffolk County Superior Court judge to block the multi-billion dollar contract in March. MBCR’s court filings alleged Keolis misrepresented its operating record in France, skirted necessary security plans and provided an unrealistic operating cost when it applied for the contract.
Despite the butting of heads, an MBCR spokesperson told the Globe the company has taken the proper steps to assist Keolis as it prepares for Tuesday’s turnover.
With Keolis at the helm, the plan is to have 40 new commuter rail locomotives in service within a year, in order to limit the amount of breakdowns. Additionally, the Globe reports, the T will adopt a more hands-on approach for day-to-day commuter rail operations, as Keolis spearheads improvements on the “innovations” front.
Related: MBTA Fare Hikes Kick In July 1
Image via the MBTA
