Miles SmithThe Fairmount Commuter Rail Line in Boston will be the first rail line in the state to provide fully electric train service, state officials said.
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority recently approved the terms of a $54 million public-private partnership with a public transit operator, which will manage the new decarbonized fleet, providing additional power and charging infrastructure as well as a new light maintenance facility.
The plan is split into two phases: a preparation phase to design and develop procurement documents and a delivery phase to project manage and integrate the fleet.
The MBTA and transit operator are clear to finalize details of the contract, including a timeline for service to begin. The first train is projected to enter service on the Fairmount Line in early 2028, state officials said.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said the new battery-powered line would result in more frequent service and lower emissions in surrounding communities.
“We know how big of a win this is for local residents and stakeholders who have been advocating for this for years, and we are grateful to be able to invest in and build momentum around achieving safe, reliable, sustainable transportation for all of our residents,” Healey said.
The Fairmount Line runs for 9 miles through seven stations and is the only Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail line that exclusively serves Boston.
Under the plan, the new trains would run every 20 minutes on weekdays.
Battery-electric multiple unit trains use hybrid power with an onboard battery that charges when overhead catenary wires are available, such as at Boston’s South Station. The trains can then run on battery power.
The Fairmount line carries approximately 3,200 passengers per day. Battery-electric service will save 1.6 million gallons of fuel and mitigate 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared with diesel, state officials said.
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