Keolis to hire additional conductors on MBTA lines

By year's end, Keolis Commuter Services plans to add 64 new conductors and assistant conductors on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter-rail system.

The uptick in hiring is part of the firm's commitment to improving customer service, safety and on-time performance, Keolis officials said in a press release.

"We will continue to monitor staffing levels and listen to customer feedback to ensure we are providing the quality service that passengers expect and deserve every day," said Gerald Francis, the company's general manager.

A total of 17 new assistant conductors began work June 27, with another 17 slated to start on Sept. 12.

Keolis plans to hire 15 more assistant conductors in October, plus an 15 additional conductors by year's end.

Plans to boost on-time performance and staffing were included in a service improvement agreement between Keolis and the MBTA. The transit agency's Fiscal Management and Control Board endorsed that agreement last month.