MBTA reports improved on-time performance for commuter-rail system in 2016

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail system finished 2016 with an on-time performance rate of 89 percent, the agency's commuter-rail operator Keolis Commuter Services announced yesterday.

When adjusted for delay factors beyond the company's control such as trespassers or police activity, on-time performance was nearly 94 percent for the year, Keolis officials said in a press release.

That figure marks the system's best annual performance since Keolis began operating the network in July 2014, company officials added. It's also a "significant improvement" over 2015 when severe winter storms crippled the system for several days.

The performance improvements are due, in part, to staff increases on the mechanical and transportation teams, as well as schedule adjustments, Keolis officials said. The company also has created specialized rapid action teams that have focused on resolving issues that were causing certain sections of the system to underperform, including the Fitchburg, Haverhill and Worcester lines.

"We know that our passengers are counting on us to provide a safe and reliable commuter rail service each and every day," said Keolis Commuter Services General Manager David Scorey. "While we are pleased that our performance strengthened in 2016, leading to higher customer satisfaction, we remain focused on proactively tackling issues and finding innovative ways to ensure that we continue to deliver a superior passenger experience on a consistent basis."

Meanwhile, December 2016 on-time performance came in at 94 percent when adjusted for factors beyond Keolis' control.