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8/7/2024
The dispatching responsibilities for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) South Coast Rail territory have been transferred to its railroad operations division and soon will be managed by operating partner Keolis Commuter Services, the MBTA announced last week.
The upcoming transition includes preparations for Keolis to assume maintenance responsibilities on Feb. 1, 2025, further consolidating operational oversight under MBTA management.
Currently, Massachusetts Coastal Railroad manages dispatch operations. The railroad now will facilitate the dispatching transition to Keolis, MBTA officials said in a news release.
Initiated in 2019, the South Coast Rail project aims to restore passenger-rail service between Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts after a more than 65-year hiatus. Passenger service is anticipated to start in spring 2025.
The shift to Keolis for dispatch operations underscores the project’s evolution and its alignment with established timelines, MBTA officials said.
“We remain committed to delivering long-awaited rail service on the new South Coast Rail project to provide residents with reliable alternatives to driving,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “With the completion of automatic train control testing and the support of our operating partner Keolis taking over dispatch, we’re excited to be one step closer to bringing safe and reliable service to more communities.”