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Rail News Home Passenger Rail

1/26/2023



Rail News: Passenger Rail

Bill calls for MBTA to electrify commuter-rail system by 2035


Legislation filed this month would require MBTA and its future electrification contractor to complete a fully electrified commuter-rail system by the end of 2035.
Photo – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

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Massachusetts State Sen. Brendan Crighton recently introduced legislation that calls for deadlines for electrification of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's commuter-rail lines.

SD.1190 calls for requiring MBTA and its future electrification contractor to operate a fully electric rail system by Dec. 31, 2035. The bill also would require MBTA and its contractor to build the necessary zero-emission infrastructure for the project by that deadline. Those infrastructure needs include electric multiple units, battery chargers and catenary wire.

Commuter-rail lines serving environmental justice populations — which are typically low-income neighborhoods where minorities make up at least 40% of the population, according to the state government — would be first on the list to receive electrification, the bill states. MBTA would be required to start construction on the Newburyport/Rockport Line, which is located along an environmental justice corridor, by Nov. 1.

The Fairmount Commuter Rail Line would be electrified by Dec. 31, 2024, while the Framingham/Worcester Line would be electrified by the end of 2026, and the Middleborough/Lakeville Line by the end of 2027. The remaining 10 commuter-rail routes — South Coast, Haverhill, Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin/Foxboro, Kingston, Greenbush, Foxboro Event Service, Needham and Newburyport/Rockport (beyond Beverly Station) — would be electrified by the end of 2035.

The bill also directs MBTA to apply for federal funding for the project.



Contact Progressive Railroading editorial staff.

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