MBTA approves massive electrification project that will improve regional rail system
Written by RT&S Staff
The MBTA has been under scrutiny by the FTA for months.
MBTA
The feelings were electric. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board used one unanimous vote to clear the way for the electrification of the state’s commuter rail system. The move will create better service to many communities in the state.
In a second unanimous vote the board decided the Newburyport/Rockport line is best suited for the change and will be worked on first. The Newburyport/Rockport line connects Lynn, Revere, Chelsea and Everett to the city of Boston. The Fairmont line in Boston and the Providence/Stoughton line also will be top priorities.
The cost of upgrading the system is yet to be determined, but according to the MBTA’s 2040 Commuter Rail Vision, two alternatives for electrification would cost between $10.6 billion and $28.9 billion. Three pilot programs would cost $1.5 billion. MBTA has not identified funding sources for the project.
For the latest news, go to www.rtands.com.
For more passenger rail news, click here.
