MassDOT chooses Keolis to operate MBTA's T rail service

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's board yesterday unanimously approved a new, eight-year contract with French rail company Keolis Commuter Services to take over operations of the T starting next summer.

The $2.68 billion contract, which could total $4.3 billion if two two-year extensions are added, would represent the largest transportation operating contract in the state's history, according to Boston-area news reports.

Keolis will replace the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR), which has had a 10-year contract to operate the T. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Beverly Scott recommended Keolis as the winning bidder.

Keolis was the only bidder to challenge MBCR for the contract, and was the lower bidder, according to a report by The Boston Globe.