View source for MBTA Commuter Rail

{{Short description|Greater Boston commuter rail system}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = MBTA Commuter Rail
| image = MBTA commuter rail train at Anderson RTC, 2023.jpg
| imagesize = 300px
| owner = [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA)
| locale = Eastern [[Massachusetts]] and central [[Rhode Island]]
| transit_type = [[Commuter rail]]
| lines = 12
| stations = [[List of MBTA Commuter Rail stations|137 active; 6 currently closed]]
| daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MA Boston CR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MA Boston CR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| website = {{url|mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail}}
| began_operation = {{ubl|1834 (first lines open)|1965 (beginning of MBTA subsidies)|1973 and 1976 (MBTA asset purchases)|1977 (full consolidation)}}
| operator = [[Keolis]] Commuter Services
| marks = MBTX
| vehicles = 110 diesel locomotives, 475 coaches
| system_length = {{convert|394|mi|km|abbr=on}}
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = <!-- {{convert|0|ft|0|in|mm|0}} -->
| average_speed = <!-- {{convert|0|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} -->
| top_speed = {{convert|79|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
| map = {{switcher
|{{maplink-road
|from1=Newburyport/Rockport Line.map
|from2=Haverhill Line.map
|from3=Lowell Line.map
|from4=Fitchburg Line.map
|from5=Framingham/Worcester Line.map
|from6=Needham Line.map
|from7=Franklin/Foxboro Line.map
|from8=Fairmount Line.map
|from9=Providence/Stoughton Line.map
|from10=Middleborough/Lakeville Line.map
|from11=Kingston Line.map
|from12=Greenbush Line.map
}}
|Show interactive map
|[[File:MBTA Commuter Rail Map.svg|300px|frameless]]
|Show static route diagram
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}}
| map_state = 
| map_name = MBTA Commuter Rail system maps
| caption = An outbound [[Lowell Line]] train at {{bts|Woburn}} in 2023
}}

The '''MBTA Commuter Rail''' {{reporting mark|MBTX}} system serves as the [[commuter rail]] arm of the [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]]'s (MBTA's) transportation coverage of [[Greater Boston]] in the [[United States]]. Trains run over {{convert|394|mi|km|abbr=on}} of track to 135 stations. It is operated under contract by [[Keolis]], which took over operations on July 1, 2014, from the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR).

In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|MA Boston CR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|MA Boston CR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}, making it the [[List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership|fifth-busiest commuter rail system in the U.S.]], behind the three New York-area systems and the [[Metra|Chicago-area system]]. The line's characteristic purple-trimmed coaches operate as far south as [[North Kingstown, Rhode Island]], and as far north as [[Newburyport, Massachusetts|Newburyport]] and as far west as [[Fitchburg, Massachusetts|Fitchburg]], both in [[Massachusetts]].

Trains originate at two major [[Terminal station|terminals]] in [[Boston]] – [[South Station]] and [[North Station]]. The only connection between the two halves of the system is the non-revenue [[Grand Junction Railroad and Depot Company|Grand Junction Branch]]. The [[North–South Rail Link]] is a proposed tunnel between North Station and South Station to allow through-running service.

== Service ==
===Lines===
The system consists of twelve lines – four of which have branches – radiating from [[downtown Boston]]. Eight "southside" lines terminate at [[South Station]], with four (Framingham/Worcester, Needham, Franklin/Foxboro, and Providence/Stoughton) also running through [[Back Bay station]]. Four "northside" lines terminate at [[North Station]]. The Kingston Line and Middleborough/Lakeville Line are often grouped together as the Old Colony Lines. The lines vary in length from the {{convert|9.2|mile|adj=on}} Fairmount Line to the {{convert|62.9|mile|adj=on}} Providence/Stoughton Line, with typical lengths in the {{convert|25-40|mile|adj=on}} range.<ref name=bluebook /> The system has {{convert|394|mi|km|-1}} of revenue trackage and covers roughly the eastern third of Massachusetts plus central Rhode Island.<ref name=bluebook /><ref name=mbtaptc />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Line
! Boston terminal
! Outer terminal(s)
! Stations<ref name=schedules />
! Length<ref name=bluebook />
! Daily boardings<br />(October 2022)<ref name=oct2022ridership>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-10/GM%20Report%20to%20Board%2010.27.2022.pdf |title=GM Report |page=6 |first=Steve |last=Poftak |date=October 27, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>
|-
|[[Greenbush Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Greenbush}}
|10
|{{convert|27.6|miles}}
|2,691
|-
|[[Kingston Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Kingston|Plymouth}}<br />''{{bts|Plymouth}} (indefinitely closed)''
|11 (1 closed)
|{{convert|35.1|miles}} – Kingston<br />{{convert|35.6|miles}} – Plymouth
|4,171
|-
|[[Middleborough/Lakeville Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Middleborough/Lakeville}}
|10
|{{convert|35.6|miles}}
|5,261
|-
|[[Fairmount Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Readville}}
|9
|{{convert|9.2|miles}}
|2,843
|-
|[[Providence/Stoughton Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Wickford Junction}}<br />{{bts|Stoughton}}
|18
|{{convert|62.9|miles}} – Wickford Junction<br />{{convert|18.9|miles}} – Stoughton
|17,648
|-
|[[Franklin/Foxboro Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Forge Park/495}}<br />{{bts|Foxboro}}
|18{{efn|group=linetable|This count does not include the 7 intermediate stations on the Fairmount Line, which are served by some Franklin/Foxboro Line trains.<ref name=schedules />}} (1 closed)
|{{convert|30.3|miles}} – Forge Park/495<br />{{convert|22.6|miles}} – Foxboro
|8,771
|-
|[[Needham Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Needham Heights}}
|12
|{{convert|13.7|miles}}
|4,881
|-
|[[Framingham/Worcester Line]]
|South Station
|{{bts|Worcester}}
|18
|{{convert|44.2|miles}}
|10,606
|-
|[[Fitchburg Line]]
|North Station
|{{bts|Wachusett}}
|19 (1 closed)
|{{convert|53.7|miles}}
|4,829
|-
|[[Lowell Line]]
|North Station
|{{bts|Lowell}}
|9 (2 closed)
|{{convert|25.5|miles}}
|6,485
|-
|[[Haverhill Line]]
|North Station
|{{bts|Haverhill}}
|15 (1 closed)
|{{convert|32.9|miles}}
|5,806
|-
|[[Newburyport/Rockport Line]]
|North Station
|{{bts|Newburyport}}<br />{{bts|Rockport}}
|19 (1 closed)
|{{convert|36.2|miles}} – Newburyport<br />{{convert|35.3|miles}} – Rockport
|11,333
|}
{{notelist|group=linetable}}

Most lines do not share trackage outside the Boston terminal areas, with several exceptions. The Providence/Stoughton Line and Franklin/Foxboro Line both use the [[Northeast Corridor]] between {{bts|Readville}} and South Station, with the Needham Line also sharing the tracks between {{bts|Forest Hills}} and South Station. The Old Colony Lines and the Greenbush Line all use the Old Colony mainline between South Station and {{bts|Braintree}}. The Haverhill Line and Newburyport/Rockport Line share tracks between North Station and near {{bts|Sullivan Square}}.<ref name=bluebook /> A small number of Haverhill Line trains use the inner Lowell Line and the [[Wildcat Branch]], while some Franklin/Foxboro Line trains (including all weekend trains) use the Fairmount Line rather than the Northeast Corridor. Several [[Amtrak]] intercity routes run on MBTA tracks: the {{lnl|Amtrak|Acela}} and {{lnl|Amtrak|Northeast Regional}} over the Providence/Stoughton Line, the {{lnl|Amtrak|Lake Shore Limited}} over the Framingham/Worcester Line, and the {{lnl|Amtrak|Downeaster}} over portions of the Lowell and Haverhill lines.<ref name=schedules>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/commuter-rail |title=Schedules: Commuter Rail |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=May 20, 2024}}</ref> Private companies also operate freight service over much of the system (see {{section link||Freight service}}).

===Stations===
{{See also|List of MBTA Commuter Rail stations}}
[[File:Outbound train entering North Scituate MBTA station, North Scituate MA.jpg|thumb|right|A train at {{bts|North Scituate}} – a typical suburban station with a full-length high-level platform]]
{{As of|November 2024}}, there are [[List of MBTA Commuter Rail stations|137 active stations]] – 55 northside and 82 southside. One additional station, {{bts|Haverhill}}, is temporarily closed due to reconstruction of an adjacent bridge. Five additional stations ({{bts|Prides Crossing}}, {{bts|Mishawum}}, {{bts|Hastings}}, {{bts|Plimptonville}}, and {{bts|Plymouth}}) are indefinitely closed due to service cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=schedules /> [[List of MBTA Commuter Rail stations#Future stations|Six additional stations are under construction]] as part of the [[South Coast Rail]] project; several other stations are planned. South Station, North Station, and Back Bay all have [[MBTA subway]] and Amtrak connections; nine other stations have subway connections, and six others have Amtrak connections.<ref name=schedules />

Stations range in size from small platforms like {{bts|North Wilmington}} to the sprawling downtown terminals. Most stations outside downtown Boston have one or two [[side platform]]s or a single [[island platform]].<ref name="trackchart">{{cite web |url=http://acm.jhu.edu/~sthurmovik/movies/MBCR+Maps+(2010).pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008000656/http://acm.jhu.edu/~sthurmovik/movies/MBCR+Maps+(2010).pdf |archive-date=October 8, 2013 |title=Massachusetts Bay Colony Railroad Track Charts |date=2010 |author=Held, Patrick R. |publisher=Johns Hopkins Association for Computing Machinery}}</ref> Standard MBTA platforms are about {{convert|800|feet}} long – enough for a nine-car train – and a minimum of {{convert|12|feet}} wide for side platforms and {{convert|22|feet}} wide for island platforms.<ref name=winchester15>{{cite web |url=https://www.winchester.us/DocumentCenter/View/1605/Winchester-Center-Station---15-Design-Report-PDF |page=13 |title=Winchester Center Station Renovation Project: 15% Preliminary Design Report |author=Jacobs |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=December 2015}}</ref><ref name=contextreview>{{cite book |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-nsrl-context-review-part-1/download |chapter=Appendix 2 |title=Context Review Technical Memorandum |series=North South Rail Link Feasibility Reassessment |date=January 18, 2018 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref> 110 active stations are [[accessible]], including all terminals and all stations with rapid transit connections; 26 are not.<ref name=schedules /> The MBTA uses {{convert|48|in|adj=on}}-high platforms for accessible level boarding, as is [[Railway platform height#United States|standard in the northeastern United States]].<ref name=winchester15 /><ref name=contextreview /> Some accessible stations have full-length high platforms for accessible boarding on all cars; others only have "mini-high" platforms about {{convert|40|feet}} long – which allow for level boarding on two cars – with the rest of the platform length not accessible.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/18508/Study_Platform_Gaps.pdf |page=9 |title=Report to the House and Senate Authorizing Committees: Study of Methods to Improve or Correct Station Platform Gaps |date=October 2010 |publisher=Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/commuter-rail-guide |title=Commuter Rail Access Guide |access-date=November 4, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> {{As of|December 2022}}, the MBTA is designing a temporary accessible platform that can be added to stations pending full reconstructions.<ref name=swanov2023 />

===Operations===
The MBTA Commuter Rail system is operated by Keolis Commuter Services – a subsidiary of French company [[Keolis]] – under contract to the MBTA.<ref>{{cite news |title=Keolis, MBTA Commuter Rail Operator, What We Do And Do Not Do |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/keolis-mbta-commuter-rail-operator-what-we-do-and-do-not-do/ |newspaper=Keolis Commuter Services |date=February 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203011337/https://www.keoliscs.com/keolis-mbta-commuter-rail-operator-what-we-do-and-do-not-do/}}</ref> The MBTA owns all passenger equipment and most stations.<ref name=roster /> Most trackage is also owned by the MBTA. The [[Massachusetts Department of Transportation]] (parent agency of the MBTA) owns several portions of the Framingham/Worcester Line as well as the [[Grand Junction Branch]], which is used for non-revenue equipment moves between the northside and southside lines. [[Pan Am Southern]] owns the section of the Fitchburg Line between {{bts|Fitchburg}} and Wachusett, while Amtrak owns the section of the [[Northeast Corridor]] (used by the Providence/Stoughton Line) in Rhode Island.<ref name=2018railplan />{{rp|21}}

Most lines operate on [[Clock-face scheduling|regular headways]], though some have additional service at peak hours. Service levels vary by lines: the Greenbush and Kingston lines have 13 round trips on weekdays, while the Providence/Stoughton Line has 37.<ref name=schedules /> Running times vary from 30 minutes on the Fairmount Line to nearly 120 minutes for some Providence/Stoughton Line trips, with 60–75 minutes typical.<ref name=schedules /> Most trains stop at all stations on the line; some stations have limited service, and peak-hour express trains operate on several lines. Several lines additionally have some [[short turn]] service.<ref name=schedules /> The [[CapeFlyer]], a seasonal weekend-only service to [[Cape Cod]], operates using MBTA equipment over the Middleborough/Lakeville Line plus the Cape Main Line (which is not otherwise used by the MBTA). Special express service to Foxboro station is operated during [[New England Patriots]] home games and some other events at [[Gillette Stadium]]. It runs from South Station via the Franklin/Foxboro Line, and from Providence via the Providence/Stoughton Line. During the winter, one "ski train" round trip of the Fitchburg Line operates with a bicycle car on weekends and Wednesday evenings, with a shuttle bus to [[Wachusett Mountain (ski area)|Wachusett Mountain]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://massbytrain.com/special-service/ |title=Special Service |work=Mass by Train |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907203744/https://massbytrain.com/special-service/ |archive-date=September 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-11-28/updated-schedule-released-fitchburg-line-ski-train-returns-the-season |title=Updated Schedule Released for Fitchburg Line: "Ski Train" Returns for the Season |date=November 28, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

All MBTA commuter rail service is provided by [[push-pull train]]s powered by [[diesel locomotive]]s (see {{section link||Rolling stock}}). Maximum speed for trains is {{convert|79|mph}}, though some lines have lower limits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Luttrell |first1=Aviva |title=Electrified, faster and more trains; 7 ways TransitMatters says the MBTA's Commuter Rail Service could be a lot better |url=https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2019/09/electrified-faster-and-more-trains-7-ways-the-mbtas-commuter-rail-service-could-be-a-lot-better.html|newspaper=MassLive |date=September 18, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2022}}</ref> The entire system is [[railway signalling|signalled]] and operates with [[Positive Train Control]] using the [[Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System]]. The southside lines have [[cab signal]]s for [[automatic train control]]; cab signals will be placed in service on the northside lines in 2023.<ref name=mbtaptc /> The MBTA is a member of the [[Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee]] (NORAC) and uses its operating rules. Most portions of the system operate under NORAC rules 261 and 562, which allow bidirectional train movements on every track (such as an express train passing a local train in the same direction). Portions of the Fitchburg, Haverhill, and Newburyport/Rockport lines operate under NORAC rule 251, which allow trains to run only in a single direction on each track.<ref name=ptcplan /> Most lines are either [[double track]], or single track with passing sidings; portions of the Northeast Corridor have three or four tracks.<ref name=trackchart />

==== Freight service ====
[[File:CSX L010 at Framingham station 1.jpg|thumb|left|A CSX freight train at Framingham station]]
Freight service is operated over most of the MBTA Commuter Rail system by several private railroads. [[CSX Transportation]] operates freight on most southside lines, of which the outer portion of the Worcester Line has the most freight traffic. [[Massachusetts Coastal Railroad]] operates south of Middleborough on the Middleborough/Lakeville Line, as well as on future South Coast Rail trackage. The [[Fore River Railroad]] operates between Braintree Yard and East Braintree on the Old Colony mainline and the Greenbush Line. The [[Providence and Worcester Railroad]] shares tracks with Providence/Stoughton Line trains between Providence and Wickford Junction; it uses a freight-only track between Providence and Central Falls.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hartley |first=Scott A. |date=April 2016 |title=The key to Providence & Worcester's success: Reinvention |magazine=[[Trains Magazine]] |pages=50–57}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rhode Island Department of Administration |date=March 13, 2014 |title=Rhode Island State Rail Plan 2014 |url=https://planning.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur826/files/documents/trans/Rail/RI_State_Rail_Plan_2014.pdf |access-date=October 18, 2022 |pages=74–75}}</ref> No freight operates on the Needham Line, the Northeast Corridor between Readville and Back Bay, the Old Colony mainline between Boston and the Greenbush Line junction in Braintree, the Plymouth/Kingston Line, and most of the Greenbush Line.<ref name=2018railplan>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/01/26/2018PubComm_1.pdf |pages=31–43 |title=Massachusetts State Rail Plan |date=January 2018 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref>

CSX also operates on most northside lines; prior to its 2022 purchase by CSX, [[Pan Am Railways]] operated over these lines. The [[Berkshire and Eastern Railroad]] (formerly [[Pan Am Southern]]) operates over the Fitchburg Line west of Ayer. Their combined Freight Main Line between [[Mechanicville, New York]], and [[Mattawamkeag, Maine]], shares tracks with sections of the Fitchburg, Lowell, and Haverhill lines. No freight service is operated over the Newburyport/Rockport Line north of {{bts|Salem}}.<ref name=2018railplan />

Weight limits and [[loading gauge]] vary across the system. The full Framingham/Worcester line is rated for car weights of {{convert|315000|lb}}, sections of lines that are part of the Freight Main Line for {{convert|286000|lb}}, and other lines for lower weights. The western portion of the Framingham/Worcester Line and the southern section of the Providence/Stoughton line can accommodate cars up to {{convert|20|ft|8|in}} ([[Loading gauge#North America|AAR Plate H or Plate K]]). The Fitchburg Line west of Ayer can accommodate cars up to {{convert|19|ft|0|in}} (AAR Plate J), while most of the other northside lines can accommodate up to {{convert|17|ft|0|in}} (AAR Plate F). The inner Fitchburg and Newburyport/Rockport Lines, and the southside except for the outer Framingham/Worcester Line, have height restrictions smaller than Plate F.<ref name=2018railplan />
{{clear left}}

=== Fares ===
[[File:MBCR tickets.jpg|right|thumb|Commuter Rail tickets in the form of CharlieTickets purchased at fare vending machines and ticket booths (left) and paper tickets purchased on-board (right).]]
MBTA Commuter Rail uses a [[fare#Zone-based fare|zone fare system]], with fares increasing with distance. Zone 1A includes the downtown terminals and other inner core stations up to about {{convert|5|miles}} from downtown. Ten additional zones, numbered 1 through 10, extend outwards from Boston. Each zone is about 5 miles, with most outer terminals in zones 6 through 8. Only two stations use further zones: {{bts|T.F. Green Airport}} in Zone 9, and {{bts|Wickford Junction}} in Zone 10. Zone 1A fares are identical to MBTA subway fares (though subway passes on [[CharlieCard]]s are not accepted, except for Fairmount Line stations that have CharlieCard validator machines). {{As of|2024}}, one-way fares within Zone 1A are $2.40, while fares between further zones and Zone 1A range from $6.50 for Zone 1 to $13.25 for Zone 10. Trips that do not enter Zone 1A have less expensive interzone fares; {{as of|2024|lc=yes}}, these range from $2.75 for travel within a single zone to $7.25 for travel between Zone 1 and Zone 10.<ref name=zones>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/fares/commuter-rail-fares/zones |title=Commuter Rail Fare Zones |access-date=November 9, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

Fares can be purchased on the MBTA mTicket app, at automatic vending machines located at major stations, from businesses near some stations, or from conductors on board trains. Discounted passes include monthly passes (with or without free transfer to other MBTA services), "flex passes" valid for five 24-hour periods, and $10 passes offering unlimited travel on a single weekend.<ref name=fares>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/fares/commuter-rail-fares |title=Commuter Rail Fares |access-date=November 9, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> As with other MBTA services, discounted fares and passes are available for several groups including disabled passengers, passengers over age 65, and students attending certain schools.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/fares/reduced |title=Reduced Fares |access-date=November 9, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Foxboro special event services and the CapeFlyer have separate fares; regular MBTA fares and passes are not valid.<ref name=zones /> Fares are collected by train conductors; while [[fare evasion]] is explicitly illegal under state law, it is not criminal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter159/Section101 |title=Section 101: Evasion of payment of toll or fare |work=Massachusetts General Laws |publisher=Commonwealth of Massachusetts}}</ref> Faregates have also been installed at North Station, with plans for installation at Back Bay and South Station.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-09-23/commuter-rail-begin-operating-fare-gates-north-station-october-1 |title=Commuter Rail to Begin Operating Fare Gates at North Station on October 1 |date=September 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The second-generation MBTA fare collection system, planned for completion in 2025, will standardize fare media across modes and allow uses of CharlieCards for all commuter rail trips.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/fares/fare-transformation |title=Fare Transformation |access-date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

== History ==
===Early history===
[[File:Train and stagecoach at West Newton, circa 1834.jpg|thumb|left|A train at West Newton on the B&W in 1834]]
Eight intercity mainlines radiating from Boston opened between 1834 and 1855: the [[Boston and Worcester Railroad]] (B&W) in 1834–35, [[Boston and Providence Railroad]] (B&P) in 1834–35, [[Boston and Lowell Railroad]] (B&L) in 1835, [[Eastern Railroad]] in 1838–1840, [[Fitchburg Railroad]] in 1843–45, [[Boston and Maine Railroad]] (B&M) in 1845, [[Old Colony Railroad]] and [[Fall River Railroad (1846)|Fall River Railroad]] in 1845–46, and [[Norfolk County Railroad]] in 1849–55. [[Commuter rail]] service allowing suburban residents to work in Boston began with the B&W in 1834; by the 1860s, commuting was possible on the eight mainlines and a number of branch lines.<ref name=150years />{{rp|8}} Mergers prior to the 1880s were primarily acquisitions of branch lines and consolidations with connecting lines: the B&A merged with the Western Railroad in 1874 to become the [[Boston and Albany Railroad]] (B&A), the Fall River Railroad and several other lines merged into the Old Colony Railroad, and the Norfolk County Railroad eventually became part of the [[New York and New England Railroad]] (NY&NE). The narrow gauge [[Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad]] (BRB&L) opened in 1875, competing with the inner portion of the Eastern Railroad. Unlike the other lines, it never built rails into downtown Boston, and instead relied on a ferry connection from [[East Boston]].<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|12}}

The B&M obtained control of the Eastern in 1883, the B&L in 1887, and the Fitchburg in 1900, giving it a near-monopoly on rail service north of Boston. [[North Union Station]] was built in 1893 to provide a [[union station]] for northside service; it was replaced by [[North Station]] in 1928. The Old Colony obtained control of the B&P in 1888; the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad]] acquired the Old Colony in 1893 to obtain access to Boston. The New Haven also acquired the New England Railroad (successor to the NY&NE) in 1898. [[South Station]] opened in 1899 as a union station for the southside lines (New Haven and B&A). The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad – which later became the New York Central) (NYC) – leased the B&A in 1900; this brought all Boston commuter service save the BRB&L under the control of three large multi-state railroads.<ref name=150years />{{rp|9}}
{{Annotated image
| image = 1912 Massachusetts railroads map.png
| image-width=1300
| image-left=-625
| width=300
| height=300
| image-top=-150
| annotations =       <!-- empty or not, this parameter must be included -->
| alt = See caption.
| caption = Suburban railroads around Boston in 1912
}}
The three railroads all planned electrification of some suburban lines in the early 20th century. The New Haven tested electrification on small parts of the Old Colony system, but never followed through on its plans to electrify South Station and the inner section of the ex-B&P.<ref name=secondsection>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: Second Section |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-938315-02-5 }}</ref>{{rp|4}} Despite a study to electrify the mainline to {{bts|Framingham}} plus the [[Highland branch]], the NYC only electrified the short Lower Falls Branch. Quadruple-tracking and electrification of part of the ex-Eastern Railroad was planned by the B&M around 1910 when it was briefly under control of the New Haven, but this fell through when they separated.<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|4}} Service levels on the three major railroads peaked around 1910 and began to decline from streetcar and later auto competition in the 1910s.<ref name=150years />{{rp|11}} The independent BRB&L electrified its mainline and single branch line in 1928 and increased service to near-[[rapid transit]] levels. Two Old Colony branches were converted to an extension of [[Boston Elevated Railway]] (BERy) rapid transit in the 1920s.<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|5}}

Service levels declined more significantly during the 1930s; the [[88 stations case]] resulted in the New Haven closing dozens of suburban stations and several lines in 1938. The BRB&L ceased all operations in 1940. Ridership increased during World War II but decreased soon afterwards, prompting further cuts. The railroads converted from steam to diesel in the 1950s. All three purchased substantial fleets of [[Budd Rail Diesel Car]]s, which lowered operating costs – but not enough to save most branch lines.<ref name=150years />{{rp|13}} A 1945–47 state report proposed suburban extensions of the rapid transit system, largely using railroad rights-of-way, with the expectation that most commuter rail service would be cut back to the rapid transit terminals or abandoned entirely. Prompted by the report, part of the BRB&L was reactivated as rapid transit in 1952–54 by BERy successor Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), and the Highland branch was converted to a [[Green Line D branch|rapid streetcar line]] in 1958–59.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=secondsection />{{rp|5}}

=== Consolidation under MBTA control ===
The three railroads all made major cuts to suburban service in 1958–1960 as commuters began using new expressways. The B&M became unprofitable in 1958 and moved to shed its money-losing passenger operations.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}} Four branch lines were cut that May, and most stations in the MTA service area were closed; three more branches closed in 1959.<ref name=150years>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1985 |isbn=978-0-685-41294-7}}</ref> The New Haven experimentally increased Old Colony Division service for several years in the 1950s, but new management soon sought to reduce costs.<ref name=150years />{{rp|13}} Service to {{bts|Fall River}} and {{bts|New Bedford}} was cut in 1958; a one-year state subsidy was given for the remaining Old Colony service, which ended in 1959 after the [[Interstate 93|Southeast Expressway]] opened.<ref name=150years />{{rp|14}} The inner portion of the B&A was reduced from four to two tracks in 1959 for construction of the [[Massachusetts Turnpike]], with several inner stations closed; all local stops west of Framingham were closed in 1960.<ref name=150years />{{rp|24}} The New Haven filed for bankruptcy for the last time in 1961. Faced with the imminent threat of losing what service remained, public opinion began to support subsidies for commuter rail.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}}

The state Mass Transportation Commission (MTC), formed in 1959 to coordinate transportation and land use, held a series of experiments to determine how fares and service levels affected ridership. This included a trial on the MTA bus network, as well as a $4 million test from January 1963 to March 1964 on New Haven and B&M lines. (The NYC, uninterested in its commuter service, declined to participate.) The MTC found that higher frequency was most important to attract additional ridership; lower fares would attract additional riders, while even higher fares would not result in the services becoming profitable. At the recommendation of the MTC, the [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) was created on August 3, 1964, with a 78-municipality funding and service district. The MBTA was to build rapid transit extensions (as planned in 1947) along some lines, with the others to be subsidized or allowed to be discontinued. Most remaining lines ran to points outside the funding district; those outlying municipalities were expected to reach their own subsidy agreements with the railroads.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}}
[[File:Boston & Maine 6124 RDC entering Lowell, MA station on April 27, 1969.jpg|thumb|left|B&M train at Lowell in 1969]]
On December 14, 1964, the MBTA reached a subsidy agreement with the B&M. The agreement only covered in-district services; on January 5, 1965, the B&M discontinued interstate service except for single commuter round trips from [[Dover, New Hampshire|Dover]] and [[Concord, New Hampshire]]; Portsmouth service was cut back to a single {{bts|Newburyport}} round trip. Subsidies began for six lines on January 18; all out-of-district service to {{bts|Fitchburg}}, {{bts|Lowell}}, {{bts|Haverhill}}, {{bts|Ipswich}}, and {{bts|Rockport}} was discontinued except for three single round trips.<ref name=netransit /> Agreements were reached to restore most out-of-district service; after delays due to a lawsuit by the competing [[Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway]], full service returned to {{bts|Ayer}}, Lowell, Ipswich, and Rockport on June 28.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=secondsection />{{rp|10}} On June 30, 1967, the B&M discontinued the Concord trip; the Dover trip was cut back to Haverhill with local subsidies.<ref name=netransit /> In 1969, the B&M averaged 24,000 weekday passengers, with a yearly deficit of $3.2 million (equivalent to {{inflation|US|3.2|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{Dorin-Commuter|p=13}}</ref> The single daily trip on the [[Central Massachusetts Railroad#MBTACentralMassBranch|Central Mass Branch]] ended on January 26, 1971.<ref name=netransit>{{NETransit}}</ref>
[[File:New Haven RDC at Franklin, September 1968.jpg|thumb|right|New Haven train at [[Franklin/Dean College station|Franklin]] in 1968]]
On July 28, 1965, the MBTA signed an agreement with the New Haven Railroad to purchase {{convert|11|miles}} of the former Old Colony mainline from [[Fort Point Channel]] to South Braintree in order to construct a new rapid transit line along the corridor. The line was expected to be completed within two years. The agreement also provided for the MBTA to subsidize commuter service on the railroad's remaining commuter rail lines for $1.2 million (equivalent to {{inflation|US|1.2|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}) annually.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite news |title=MBTA Buys Old Colony Line For a South Shore Express |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 29, 1965 |first=Robert |last=Carr |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38297699/the-boston-globe/ |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Subsidies for the [[Needham Line|Needham]], [[Millis Branch|Millis]], [[Dedham Branch|Dedham]], and [[Franklin/Foxboro Line|Franklin]] lines began on April 24, 1966, as the New Haven had [[Interstate Commerce Commission]] (ICC) permission to discontinue them otherwise. Three out-of-district stations were cut, while [[Franklin, Massachusetts|Franklin]] subsidized its station. The Millis and Dedham lines were discontinued on April 21, 1967.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} The NYC and the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] merged to form [[Penn Central]] on February 1, 1968; the New Haven joined at the end of the year. Penn Central declared bankruptcy in 1970.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=drury>{{cite book | last = Drury | first = George H. | title = The Historical Guide to North American Railroads: Histories, Figures, and Features of more than 160 Railroads Abandoned or Merged since 1930 | publisher = [[Kalmbach Publishing]] | year = 1994 | location = [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]] | pages = 222–229, 248 | isbn = 0-89024-072-8}}</ref> [[Amtrak]] took over most intercity passenger service in the US on May 1, 1971, including New York–Boston trains.<ref name=netransit />

The state agreed in December 1971 to purchase {{convert|145|miles}} of Penn Central rights of way to prevent them being sold off in bankruptcy. The MBTA purchased the lines effective January 27, 1973. They included almost all the lines with passenger service: the [[Providence/Stoughton Line|Attleboro Line and Stoughton Branch]], [[Franklin/Foxboro Line|Franklin Branch]], [[Needham Line|Needham Branch]], and the {{bts|Riverside}}–Framingham portion of the Worcester Main Line. (The inner section of that line was already owned by the [[Massachusetts Turnpike Authority]].) The purchase also included several freight-only or abandoned lines, including the Old Colony mainline between Braintree and Brockton.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} Subsidies began for the [[Framingham/Worcester Line|Framingham Line]] in January 1973, for {{bts|Canton Junction}} and {{bts|Sharon}} stations in June 1973, and all [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] service on September 28, 1976.<ref name=netransit /> The MBTA purchased the B&M Western Route between [[Somerville, Massachusetts|Somerville]] and Wilmington Junction in September 1973 for construction of the [[Haymarket North Extension]].

From 1967 to 1973, a series of state appropriations covered 90–100% of outside-of-district subsidy. This was reduced to 50% in January 1974, substantially increasing the cost of these municipalities.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} This resulted in several cuts as municipalities refused the higher subsidies: Ayer service was cut to {{bts|South Acton}} on March 1, 1975; the single Newburyport trip ended on April 1, 1976; and the single Haverhill trip ended on April 2, 1976 (North Andover and Andover having previously ended subsidies.) The single round trip to {{bts|Worcester}}, never subsidized, was cut to Framingham on October 27, 1975.<ref name=netransit /> Amtrak began running the ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'' over that route four days later, restoring rail service to Worcester.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Amtrak in the Heartland |last=Sanders |first=Craig |date=2006 |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |isbn=0-253-34705-X |location=Bloomington, Indiana |pages=19–21}}</ref> State subsidies were increased back to 75% in June 1976 to prevent further cuts.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}}

=== Combined operations ===
[[File:1974 MBTA commuter rail diagram.png|thumb|left|1974 map showing a unified commuter rail system with new purple coloring]]
Rapid transit extension was slower than expected; by 1971, the only extension in service was the first portion of the [[Red Line (MBTA)|Red Line]] Braintree Branch on the Old Colony mainline.<ref name=netransit /> In 1972, as part of a funding shift from highways to transit, Governor [[Francis Sargent]] initiated a Commuter Rail Improvement Program.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} On October 8, 1974, the MBTA began using purple to represent the commuter rail system, as had been done in 1965 with the rapid transit lines. MBTA maps began showing the B&M and Penn Central lines as a single system.<ref name=netransit /> Penn Central became [[Conrail]] on April 1, 1976; the MBTA purchased most of their commuter rolling stock at that time.<ref name=netransit /> After delays due to the B&M bankruptcy, the MBTA purchased the B&M commuter equipment, [[MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility|maintenance facility]], and {{convert|250|miles}} of right of way on December 27, 1976. This included all lines with passenger service, as well as a number of freight-only or abandoned lines. This also marked the start of a five-year contract for the B&M to operate the service, replacing a series of one-year contracts.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} After acquiring the B&M and Penn Central rolling stock, the MBTA painted it with purple, yellow, silver, and black to create a visual identity.<ref name=guilford>{{cite book |title=Guilford: Five Years of Change |first=Scott |last=Hartley |publisher=Railpace Company |isbn=0-9621541-1-3 |year=1989 |pages=6, 12, 13, 89–91}}</ref>

Federal subsidies allowed MBTA subsidies to Penn Central to remain the same until March 1977, when a large increase was expected. Since it owned the tracks and equipment, the MBTA bid out the operating contract, which was won by the B&M.  The B&M began operating the southside lines on March 15, 1977; for the first time, all Boston commuter service was operated by one entity.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} Although all operation was subsidized by this time, a small number of cuts took place. The lightly used [[Lexington Branch]] closed after a snowstorm on January 10, 1977. Declining subsidies from Rhode Island resulted in off-peak {{bts|Providence}} service being cut back to {{bts|Attleboro}} in April 1979, with peak service cut on February 20, 1981. [[Woburn Branch Railroad|Woburn Branch]] service ended on January 30, 1981, amid state budget cuts.<ref name=netransit />

However, the energy crises of the 1970s and the formation of regional transit authorities prompted some expansions and improvements. $70 million in reconstruction work (equivalent to {{inflation|US|70|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}) on the Franklin Line and several northside lines, partially funded by the [[Urban Mass Transportation Administration]], began in 1977 under the Commuter Rail Improvement Program.<ref name=150years /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/annualreportmass1977mass |title=1977 Annual Report |page=[https://archive.org/details/annualreportmass1977mass/page/15 15] |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Internet Archive |year=1977}}</ref> Service to Haverhill resumed on December 17, 1979, and to {{bts|Fitchburg}} and {{bts|Gardner}} on January 13, 1980. Federally-funded experimental service to [[Nashua, New Hampshire|Nashua]], [[Manchester, New Hampshire|Manchester]], and Concord, New Hampshire ran from January 28, 1980, to March 1, 1981.<ref name=netransit /> Little-used stations continued to be closed until the 1980s, but several [[infill station]]s were opened, including {{bts|Shirley}} in 1981, {{bts|West Natick}} in 1982, {{bts|Mishawum}} in 1984, and {{bts|Chelsea}} in 1985.<ref name=netransit /> The MBTA also began replacing the aging Rail Diesel Cars and other equipment; 18 [[EMD F40PH]] diesel locomotives and 60 passenger cars arrived between 1978 and 1980.<ref name=roster />
[[File:Franklin Line train at Norwood Central station 1980 postcard.jpg|thumb|right|A train of new equipment on the recently upgraded Franklin Line in 1980]]
Several major disruptions occurred in the mid-1980s. On January 20, 1984, a fire destroyed the wooden approach trestles to the [[Charles River Bridge (Commuter Rail)|North Station drawbridges]]. The four northside lines used temporary terminals with rapid transit connections while the trestles were rebuilt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438459/the-boston-globe/ |title=What's in store for B&M riders |first=Paul |last=Langner |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=January 23, 1984 |pages=17, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438477/the-boston-globe/ 18] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Another bridge fire between Beverly and Salem on November 16, 1984, isolated part of the [[Newburyport/Rockport Line|Ipswich/Rockport Line]] from the rest of the system.<ref name=netransit /> Service to North Station resumed on April 20, 1985; service to Ipswich and Rockport resumed on December 1, 1985.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438265/the-boston-globe/ |title=T rail service resumes at North Station |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=April 21, 1985 |first=Douglas S. |last=Crocket |pages=29, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438275/the-boston-globe/ 30] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=netransit />

[[Guilford Transportation Industries]] purchased the B&M in 1983. This did not initially affect commuter rail operations.<ref name=guilford /> Guilford's attempts to regain profitability, which included reducing employee headcount and pay, soon soured labor relations. This resulted in two strikes by Guilford employees; the first shut down the commuter rail system from March 21 to May 12, 1986. Local media was critical of Guilford during the strike; the company did not bid for a renewal of the commuter rail operating contract, which expired at the end of 1986.<ref name=guilford /> Amtrak won the contract for commuter rail operations and took over the system on January 1, 1987. Gardner service was cut back to Fitchburg at that time due to a dispute between Amtrak, Guilford, and the MBTA.<ref name=netransit />

=== Expansions ===
The late 1980s saw the beginning of substantial expansion of the system. The [[Southwest Corridor (Boston)|Southwest Corridor]] project was completed in 1987 with a new below-ground alignment for commuter rail, Amtrak, and [[Orange Line (MBTA)|Orange Line]] trains. Back Bay and {{bts|Forest Hills}} stations were completely rebuilt as transfer stations, and {{bts|Ruggles}} opened to serve the growing [[Longwood Medical Area]]. The Needham Line, closed since 1979 for construction, was reopened. The Attleboro and Franklin lines had been diverted over the previously freight-only Dorchester Branch during construction; after they returned to the Southwest Corridor, a shuttle service was retained as the [[Fairmount Line]].<ref name=netransit /> Peak-hour service to Providence resumed in 1988 (with off-peak and weekend service later added); {{bts|South Attleboro}} was added in 1990 as a park-and-ride station to replace {{bts|Pawtucket–Central Falls}}.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44826069/the_boston_globe/ |title=Starts and Stops: Old Colony line inspires a petition duel |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Ronald |last=Rosenberg |date=July 30, 1990 |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The Franklin Line was extended to {{bts|Forge Park/495}} in 1988; infill stations in that era included {{bts|Yawkey}} in 1988 to serve [[Boston Red Sox]] games at [[Fenway Park]], and {{bts|Dedham Corporate Center}} in 1990.<ref name=netransit />

Massachusetts had state [[accessibility]] laws since 1977 – prior to [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|1990 federal legislation]]. At times, the MBTA clashed with state regulators: several stations including West Natick and Chelsea were built without accessible platforms despite state rules; the latter resulted in fines from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38305973/the_boston_globe/ |title=Advocates push for train access |date=August 2, 1992 |first=Doreen E. |last=Iudica |newspaper=Boston Globe |via=Newspapers.com}}([https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38305982/the_boston_globe/ second page]) {{open access}}</ref><ref name=pressured>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44834961/the_boston_globe/ |title=T pressured to open all routes to disabled |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Jerry |last=Ackerman |date=March 8, 1989 |pages=1, 16 |via=Newspapers.com}} ([https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44835027/the_boston_globe/ second page], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44835490/the_boston_globe/ third page]) {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59911349/the-boston-globe/ |title=Another day, another $100 |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=May 22, 1989 |page=20 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The opening of South Attleboro was delayed by the MAAB because of the MBTA's refusal to build full-length high-level platforms.<ref name=pressured /> However, the MBTA did slowly increase accessibility of the system. Most Ipswich/Rockport line stations were made accessible during the 1984–85 closure, and renovations followed at other stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69473981/the-boston-globe/ |title=North Shore bridge job "on target" |first=Ray |last=Richard |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 16, 1985 |page=17, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69474018/the-boston-globe/ 20] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> South Station was made accessible in the late 1980s, Back Bay during the Southwest Corridor project, and North Station in the early 1990s, providing accessibility at the main downtown Boston stations.<ref name=pressured /> By 1992, 44 commuter rail stations were accessible.<ref name=access1992>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/stream/mbtaaccessguidet00mass |title=MBTA: ACCESS; The Guide to Accessible Services and Facilities |pages=14, 15 |date=June 1992 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Internet Archive}}</ref>

In 1991, the state agreed to build a set of transit projects as part of the settlement of a lawsuit by the [[Conservation Law Foundation]] (CLF) over auto emissions from the Central Artery/Tunnel Project ([[Big Dig]]). Among these project were extensions of the Framingham Line to Worcester and the Ipswich/Rockport Line to Newburyport, restoration of the [[Old Colony Lines]], and addition of 20,000 park and ride spaces outside the urban core.<ref name=1991agreement>{{Cite journal |last=United States Environmental Protection Agency |date=October 4, 1994 |title=Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts—Amendment to Massachusetts' SIP (for Ozone and for Carbon Monoxide) for Transit Systems Improvements and High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities in the Metropolitan Boston Air Pollution Control District) |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/59-FR-50498 |journal=Federal Register |volume=59 FR 50498}}</ref> Peak-hour service to Worcester began in 1994, followed by off-peak and weekend service; four intermediate stations were added in 2000 and 2002. Service on the Old Colony Lines (Middleborough/Lakeville Line and Kingston/Plymouth Line) began in 1997. {{bts|Newburyport}} and {{bts|Rowley}} opened in 1998.<ref name=netransit /> The [[MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility]], which replaced the ex-B&M Boston Engine Terminal, was completed in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112015446/the-boston-globe/ |title=On drinking and driving: many studies, but little consensus |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=March 9, 1998 |first=Thomas C. Jr. |last=Palmer |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

Two tenders were submitted in 2003, one from GTI and another from the newly formed Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR), a partnership between [[Veolia Transport|Connex]] (later Veolia), [[Bombardier Transportation]] and Alternate Concepts, Inc. MBCR won the contract, and took over the MBTA Commuter Rail operation from Amtrak in July 2003. The MBCR contract originally expired in July 2008 but had an additional five-year option; it was later extended three years to July 2011 and then another two to July 2013.<ref name="MBCR contract">{{cite web| title = MBTA Exercises Option With MBCR For Commuter Rail Service, Launches New Customer-Focused Improvements| publisher = MBTA| date = January 6, 2010| url = http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18672&month=&year=| quote = MBTA extends MBCR contract another two years.| access-date = January 7, 2010| archive-date = October 9, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101009064933/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18672&month=&year=| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/commuter_rail_firm_gets_contract_extension/ Commuter Rail Firm Gets Contract Extension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025070931/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/commuter_rail_firm_gets_contract_extension/ |date=2012-10-25 }} Boston.com, accessed February 16, 2010.</ref> After concerns about on-time performance, the 2011 extension increased the fine for late trains from $100 to $300.<ref>Boston Metro, June 6, 2008, p. 2.</ref>
{{anchor|MBCR}}
The MBTA considered running the service directly rather than contracting it out, but this "public option" was rejected in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2012/01/07/mbta-nixes-commuter-rail-takeover/49775800007/ |title=MBTA nixes commuter rail takeover |first=Bob |last=Salsberg |newspaper=Worcester Telegram |date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> In August 2012, MBCR and [[Keolis]] were the two bidders for the contract. On January 8, 2014, the MBTA awarded Keolis the contract for $2.68 billion over eight years, with the possibility of two two-year extensions that could bring the total price to $4.3 billion.<ref>http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442451214&month=1&year=14 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221106/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442451214&month=1&year=14 |date=2016-03-03 }} MBTA press release on Keolis Commuter Services award</ref> Keolis took over the operations on July 1, 2014. Keolis lost $29.3 million in its first year of operation.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/02/22-mbta-keolis | title=Keolis loses millions of dollars on its MBTA contract | work=[[Trains Magazine]] | date=February 22, 2016 | access-date=February 23, 2016 | archive-date=February 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225120701/http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/02/22-mbta-keolis | url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref> In June 2020, the MBTA extended the contract through at least 2025.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/mbta-extends-keolis-through-least-2025/ |title=MBTA extends Keolis contract through at least 2025 |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 15, 2020 |first=Adam |last=Vaccaro |access-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615215710/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/mbta-extends-keolis-through-least-2025/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Free [[Wi-Fi]] internet service was piloted in January 2008 on the Worcester Line, where 45 coaches were fitted with routers which connected to cellular data networks. This was the first Wi-Fi available on a commuter rail service in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/141940/article.html |title=Wi-Fi trial Connects Massachusetts Train Passengers |newspaper=PC World |last=Cox |first=John |date=January 28, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110072753/http://www.pcworld.com/article/141940/article.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The program was considered successful; in December 2008, the MBTA announced that Wi-Fi would be available on all trains by mid-2009.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=16235&month=&year |title=Free Wi-Fi Service Expanded |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=December 19, 2008 }}</ref> In July 2014, the MBTA announced that a private company would be building a new network by 2016 to replace the 2008-built network. The MBTA would not pay for the new network; the company would have a two-tier model with a fee for higher bandwidth.<ref name=newwifi>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/24/mbta-revamp-commuter-rail-wifi-system/U2onDF0uABUiOhUPj0SkqO/story.html |title=MBTA to boost Web service on commuter rail |newspaper=The Boston Globe |last=Thadani |first=Trisha |date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730000113/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/24/mbta-revamp-commuter-rail-wifi-system/U2onDF0uABUiOhUPj0SkqO/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442452651&month=&year= |title=New WiFi System for Commuter Rail |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2015 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203102703/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442452651&month=&year= |url-status=live }}</ref> The MBTA canceled the plan in August 2017 due to local opposition to the erection of 320 [[monopole antenna|monopoles]], each {{convert|70|feet|adj=on}} tall, as well as the need to focus on more critical projects like the [[Green Line Extension]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2017/08/10/mbta-nixes-140m-plan-to-upgrade-wifi-on-commuter.html |title=MBTA nixes $140M plan to upgrade Wi-Fi on commuter rail |newspaper=Boston Business Journal |date=August 10, 2017 |first=Don |last=Seiffert |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126221958/https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2017/08/10/mbta-nixes-140m-plan-to-upgrade-wifi-on-commuter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that time, the 2008-built system was largely unusable to the [[3G#Decline and decommissions|decommissioning of 3G networks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/fmcb-meeting-docs/2017/july/073117-commuter-rail-wifi-project-update.pdf |title=MBTA Wi-Fi Project Update |first=Steve |last=Poftak |date=July 31, 2017 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> [[Mobile ticketing]] was introduced on the northside lines on November 12, 2012, and on the southside lines on November 28.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2012-11-12/mobile-ticketing-now-available-commuter-rail-riders |title=Mobile Ticketing Now Available for Commuter Rail Riders |date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/151823654/ |title=Service delays on subway, commuter rail |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=November 28, 2012 |page=B14 |first=Sarah N. |last=Mattero |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

[[Positive Train Control]] was implemented on the entire system per a federal mandate, which required installation by the end of 2018 with the possibility of a two-year extension. Construction began in 2017.<ref name=mbtaptc /> The final segment of the system to have [[Positive Train Control]] activated was the inner Worcester Line on August 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-01/2021-01-11-fmcb-17-report-from-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the General Manager |page=36 |date=January 11, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Most of the southside lines already had [[cab signal]]s for [[automatic train control]] (ATC) prior to PTC implementation, but the northside lines did not.<ref name=ptcplan>{{cite web |url=https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2010-0030-0027 |title=MBTA PTC Implementation Plan (PTCIP): Revision 11 |date=May 2017 |page=1{{hyphen}}9 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Cab signals on the southside were completed in 2020; cab signals on the northside will be completed in 2023.<ref name=mbtaptc>{{cite web |title=Commuter Rail Safety and Resiliency Program |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-safety-and-resiliency-program |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102231439/https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-safety-and-resiliency-program |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Temporary bus replacements for several lines took place between 2017 and 2022 during PTC and ATC construction and testing.<ref name=netransit />

*The [[Greenbush Line]] opened in 2007.<ref name=netransit />
*The Riverside-Framingham section was sold to the MBTA in 1976 as part of their larger acquisition of PC commuter assets, but the section past Framingham remained in Conrail control.<ref name=netransit /> In September 2009, Conrail successor [[CSX Transportation]] and the Commonwealth finalized a {{US$|100000000|2009|long=no}} agreement to purchase CSX's Framingham to Worcester tracks, as well as the [[Grand Junction Railroad]] plus lines which will be part of the [[South Coast Rail]] project, to improve service on the Framingham/Worcester Line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/09/lt-governor-historic-csx-rail-agreement.html |title=Lt. Governor: Historic CSX Rail Agreement |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |work=Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation |date=September 23, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306202027/http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/09/lt-governor-historic-csx-rail-agreement.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After several years of construction and negotiations, ownership of the line was transferred to the commonwealth on October 4, 2012, with increased service on the outer section of the line beginning several weeks later.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=29oct>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20121004/NEWS/110049827/1116 |title=At CSX freight yard, Murray touts increased train service |newspaper=Worcester Telegram & Gazette |author=Monahan, John J. |date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010233820/http://www.telegram.com/article/20121004/NEWS/110049827/1116 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*As Big Dig mitigation, MBTA rebuilt existing stations and added 4 new stations along the [[Fairmount Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=14261 |title=Fairmount Line Improvements |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=December 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129100850/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=14261 |archive-date=January 29, 2013  }}</ref> The first of these, [[Talbot Avenue station|Talbot Avenue]], opened on November 12, 2012, followed by [[Newmarket station (MBTA)|Newmarket]] and [[Four Corners/Geneva station|Four Corners/Geneva]] on July 1, 2013.<ref name=globetalbot>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2012/11/mbta_opens_new_commuter_rail_s.html |title=MBTA opens new commuter rail station at Talbot Avenue in Dorchester on Fairmount Line |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203324/http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2012/11/mbta_opens_new_commuter_rail_s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Blue Hill Avenue station]] was opened on February 25, 2019, after many delays.
*Service along the [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] was extended further south to [[T. F. Green Airport (MBTA station)|T. F. Green Airport]] in [[Warwick, Rhode Island]] in December 2010 and to [[Wickford Junction (MBTA station)|Wickford Junction]] in [[North Kingston, Rhode Island|North Kingston]] in April 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/dec/06/7/boston-tf-green-rail-service-debuts-ar-316999 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205001015/http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/dec/06/7/boston-tf-green-rail-service-debuts-ar-316999  |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Boston to T.F. Green rail service debuts |newspaper=NBC 10 News |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=August 1, 2011 }}</ref> This represents the first commuter service in Rhode Island south of Providence since 1981.<ref name=netransit />
*In 2013, the [[CapeFLYER]] service began running from [[South Station (Boston)|South Station]] to [[Hyannis (MBTA station)|Hyannis]] on summer weekends – the first direct service from Boston to Cape Cod since 1959. Though officially a Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority service, the CapeFLYER uses MBTA equipment.<ref name=netransit /> 
*A 4-mile extension of the [[Fitchburg Line]] to [[Wachusett (MBTA station)|Wachusett station]] opened on September 30, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Fitchburg.pdf |title=FITCHBURG LINE Schedule effective September 30, 2016 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=September 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926143419/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Fitchburg.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2016}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
Weekday service was substantially cut on March 17, 2020, due to reduced ridership during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-03-16/mbta-announces-schedule-revisions-take-effect-tuesday-march-17 |title=MBTA Announces Schedule Revisions to Take Effect Tuesday, March 17 |date=March 16, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-06-16 |archive-date=2020-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612103803/https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-03-16/mbta-announces-schedule-revisions-take-effect-tuesday-march-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 22, service was increased to 85% of normal weekday levels.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the Deputy General Manager |date=June 15, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-06-16 |archive-date=2020-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617022958/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Changes effective November 2 reduced peak service and increased off-peak service, providing more consistent midday headways on some lines; Foxboro pilot service was suspended.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |title=Fall 2020 Commuter Rail Schedule Changes |date=September 14, 2020 |first=Rob |last=DiAdamo |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-09-14 |archive-date=2020-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020053755/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2020, as part of service cuts during the pandemic, the MBTA proposed to close six low-ridership stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-11-09-fmcb-N-forging-ahead-service-scenarios-accessible.pdf |title=Forging Ahead: Scenario and Service Planning |page=21 |date=November 9, 2020 |first1=Laurel |last1=Paget-Seekins |first2=Kat |last2=Benesh |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-05-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511001406/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-11-09-fmcb-N-forging-ahead-service-scenarios-accessible.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 14, the MBTA Board voted to enact a more limited set of cuts, including indefinitely closing five stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/bostonomix/2020/12/14/mbta-control-board-approves-service-cuts |title=MBTA Control Board Votes To Scale Back Bus, Train And Ferry Service |newspaper=WBUR |date=December 14, 2020 |first=Zeninjor |last=Enwemeka |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126175335/https://www.wbur.org/bostonomix/2020/12/14/mbta-control-board-approves-service-cuts |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020-12-14-fmcb-F-forging-ahead-service-proposal.pdf |page=17 |title=Forging Ahead: Service Proposal |date=December 14, 2020 |first1=Laurel |last1=Paget-Seekins |first2=Kat |last2=Benesh |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429044405/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020-12-14-fmcb-F-forging-ahead-service-proposal.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> That day, temporary reduced schedules were again put into place, with four of the five stations ({{bts|Hastings}}, {{bts|Silver Hill}}, {{bts|Prides Crossing}}, and {{bts|Plimptonville}}) not served.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |title=Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14 |date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611015501/https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 23, 2021, reduced schedules based on the December 14 vote went into place, with no weekend service on seven lines.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2021-01-07/commuter-rail-schedule-changes-approved-december-take-effect-january-23 |title=Commuter Rail Schedule Changes Approved in December Take Effect January 23 |date=January 7, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626192645/https://www.mbta.com/news/2021-01-07/commuter-rail-schedule-changes-approved-december-take-effect-january-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Service changes on April 5, 2021, increased midday service on most lines as part of a transition to a [[regional rail]] model.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |title=Reminder: Spring 2021 Commuter Rail Schedules Take Effect April 5 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603210850/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Weekend service on the seven lines resumed on July 3, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-05/2021-05-24-fmcb-10-commuter-rail-performance-update.pdf |title=Commuter Rail Performance Update |page=7 |date=May 24, 2021 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524122114/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-05/2021-05-24-fmcb-10-commuter-rail-performance-update.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Ridership dropped substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily boardings just 12,800 during the first quarter of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 1, 2021 |title=PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP REPORT First Quarter 2021 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Q1-Ridership-APTA.pdf |website=APTA Ridership Report}}</ref> Ridership rose to 47,100 average weekday boardings in the first quarter of 2022, and 85,000 (69% of 2018 ridership) in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP REPORT First Quarter 2022 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-Q1-Ridership-APTA.pdf |website=APTA Ridership Report}}</ref><ref name=oct2022ridership /> Limited Foxboro service resumed in May 2022; full pilot service began that September.<ref name=may23>{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/mbta-commuter-rail-spring-summer-schedule-to-take-effect-may-23/ |title=MBTA Commuter Rail Spring/Summer Schedule to Take Effect May 23 |date=May 10, 2022 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-08-24/foxboro-weekday-commuter-rail-service-pilot-start-september-12 |title=Foxboro Weekday Commuter Rail Service Pilot to Start September 12 |date=August 24, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The service was made permanent effective October 2, 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-09-28/foxboro-station-commuter-rail-pilots-success-leads-permanent-weekday-service |title=Foxboro Station, Commuter Rail Pilot's Success Leads to Permanent Weekday Service Beginning October 2 |date=September 28, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

In April 2024, the MBTA extended the Keolis contract by one year to June 30, 2027, at which time a successor contract will take effect.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/3.%20%2BDRAFT%202%20and%20FINAL_CR%20Contract%20Extension_4.25.24%20Board%20Meeting%20v3.pdf |title=Commuter Rail Operating Agreement: Keolis One-Year Extension Option |first=Michael |last=Muller |date=April 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://commonwealthbeacon.org/transportation/mbta-extends-keolis-commuter-rail-contract-again/ |title=MBTA extends Keolis commuter rail contract again |first=Bruce |last=Mohl |date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |newspaper=Commonwealth Beacon}}</ref> Silver Hill station reopened on November 18, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7237/2024-11-18-cr-fall-winter-fitchburg-line-schedule.pdf |title=Fitchburg Line Fall/Winter Schedule |date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In December 2024, the MBTA indicated that the next contract may be split into separate contracts for train maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, operations, and dispatching.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-12/8.%20Final_%20Regional%20Rail%20RFI%20Update_MM.pdf |title=Regional Rail RFI Update |date=December 19, 2024 |first=Mike |last=Muller |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
[[File:MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility aerial.JPG|thumb|right|Aerial view of the MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility]]
All MBTA commuter rail service is provided by [[push-pull train]]s powered by [[diesel locomotive]]s with a [[cab car]] on the opposite end. The locomotive is usually on the end facing away from Boston so that diesel exhaust does not enter the passenger concourses at North Station and South Station. Trains typically have four to eight coaches (with six the most common) and seat between 400 and 1,400 passengers. Approximately 62 trainsets are needed for weekday service.<ref name="roster">{{cite web |url=http://www.transithistory.org/roster/ |title=The MBTA Vehicle Inventory Page |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |access-date=October 5, 2024}}</ref>

The primary heavy maintenance facility is the [[MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility]], located in the [[Inner Belt District]] in [[Somerville, Massachusetts|Somerville]]. It is also used for midday and overnight storage of trains on the northside lines. Southampton Street Yard and the Readville Interim Layover facility are used for light maintenance and layover service. [[List of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority yards#Commuter rail|Various other layover facilities]] are used for midday and overnight storage; most are located near the outer ends of the lines.<ref name=bluebook>{{MBTA Bluebook 2014}}</ref> Some maintenance and storage of MBTA equipment is contracted out to the [[Seaview Transportation Company]] in [[North Kingstown, Rhode Island]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bessette |first=James |date=July 1, 2016 |title=All aboard! Seaview Transportation Company rides the rails to success |language=en |website=[[South County Independent]] |url=https://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/north_kingstown/article_8196aed9-7f2f-58c8-9b64-c7b684efb856.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217031227/https://www.independentri.com/independents/ind/north_kingstown/article_8196aed9-7f2f-58c8-9b64-c7b684efb856.html |archive-date=February 17, 2022}}</ref>

[[List of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority yards#Future yards|Several additional yards]] are under construction or planned. Two layovers are under construction for South Coast Rail, with service planned for mid-2025, and the Haverhill Line layover at {{bts|Bradford}} is proposed for relocation later in the 2020s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022-03-24-proposed-fy23-27-mbta-cip-2.pdf |title=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY23-27 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Proposed |date=March 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=70}}</ref> A new midday layover yard at the former [[Beacon Park Yard]] is planned to be constructed by 2032 as part of the realignment of I-90.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/allston-multimodal-fact-sheet-english/download |title=Allston Multimodal Project Fact Sheet |year=2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref> A large midday and overnight layover yard, which would support expanded service including [[#Regional rail and electrification|regional rail and electrification]], is planned at [[Widett Circle]] near South Station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-12/7.%20Widett%20Open%20Session%20Board%2012-15-22%20Final.pdf |title=Widett Circle Acquisition |date=December 15, 2022 |first=Richard |last=Henderson |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-12-15/mbta-seeks-purchase-widett-circle-property-commuter-rail-layover-yard |title=MBTA Seeks to Purchase Widett Circle Property for Commuter Rail Layover Yard |date=December 15, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The MBTA also plans to construct a southside maintenance and layover facility at {{bts|Readville}} in 2023–2028, replacing the existing layover yard there, as the [[Grand Junction Railroad|Grand Junction Branch]] will be closed for several years during the I-90 project.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-11/2022-11-10_ssmf-eenf_executive-summary.pdf |title=South Side Maintenance and Layover Facility EENF |chapter=Executive Summary |date=November 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

=== Locomotive fleet ===
{{As of|2024|10}}, the MBTA owned 109 locomotives. Of these, 87 were in active passenger service. Eleven were undergoing rebuild, six awaiting repairs, and five retired or out of service. All passenger locomotives are equipped with [[head end power]]. Rebuilding of 37 F40PH-2C and F40PHM-2C locomotives to F40PH-3C class by [[MotivePower]] (MPI) began in 2017; other older locomotives are also being rebuilt by MPI or in-house.<ref name=roster />

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year built<ref name="roster" />
!Builder<ref name="roster" />
!Model<ref name="roster" />
!Numbers<ref name="roster" />
!Number active<ref name=roster />
!Notes<ref name="roster" />
!Image
|-
|1973–1975
|[[General Motors Diesel|GMD]]
|[[GMD GP40MC|GP40MC]]
|1115–1139
|19
|Originally built as [[EMD GP40-2|GP40-2LW]] for [[Canadian National Railways]]; rebuilt by AMF for passenger service in 1997. Most are being rebuilt in-house.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 1119 at North Station, October 2005.jpg|100px]]
|-
|1987–1988
|[[Electro Motive Diesel|EMD]]
| rowspan="2" |[[EMD F40PH|F40PH-3C]]
|1050–1075
|20
|Originally built as [[EMD F40PH-2C|F40PH-2C]]. Rebuilt by MPI in 2001–2003, and again by MPI as F40PH-3C in 2019–present.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA commuter rail train at Anderson RTC, 2023.jpg|100px]]
|-
|1991–1993
|[[Morrison–Knudsen]]
|1025–1036
|8
|Originally built as [[EMD F40PH|F40PHM-2C]]. Rebuilt by MPI in 2003–2004, and again by MPI as F40PH-3C in 2019–present.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 1032 at Bellingham Square station, June 2019.jpg|100px]]
|-
|2009
|MPI
|[[MPI MPXpress#MP36PH-3C|MP36PH-3C]]
|010-011
|0
|Purchased from [[Utah Transit Authority]] in 2011.<ref name=roster /><ref name="UTABUY">{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/02/mbta_unveils_fi.html |title=MBTA unveils first new locomotive in 23 years |last=Finucane |first=Martin |date=February 7, 2011 |newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] |archive-date=February 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216192116/http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2011/02/mbta_unveils_fi.html}}</ref> Being overhauled by MPI.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 010 in Hyannis, June 2013.JPG|100px]]
|-
|2013–2014
|MPI
|[[MPI HSP46|HSP46]]
|2000–2039
|40
|
|[[File:MBTA 2001 at CRMF, October 2013.jpg|100px]]
|-
|2009
|[[National Railway Equipment Company|NRE]]
|[[NRE 3GS21B]]
|3248–3249
|0
|Work locomotives – not used for passenger service<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA3gs21b at Boston.JPG|100px]]
|}

=== Coach fleet ===
{{As of|2024|10}}, the MBTA owned 552 coaches. Of these, 448 were in active service, three being repaired or overhauled, and 101 stored pending disposition or reuse.<ref name="roster" /> Coaches whose designations start with BTC (Blind Trailer Coach) are conventional coaches, while those starting with CTC (Control Trailer Coach) are [[cab car]]s. Coaches acquired before 1990 were single-level cars with 88 to 127 seats; those since are bilevel cars with 173 to 185 seats.<ref name=roster /> Some coaches are equipped with electronic doors for use on the [[Old Colony Lines (MBTA)|Old Colony Lines]] and [[Greenbush Line]], which have full-length high-level platforms at all stops. All BTC-3, CTC-3, BTC-4C, and BTC-4D coaches have restrooms.<ref name="roster" /> During winter months, a Ski Train serving [[Wachusett Mountain (ski area)|Wachusett Mountain]] runs on the [[Fitchburg Line]], using a coach car which is equipped for carrying bicycles or skis.<ref name=roster /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/destinations/wachusett-mountain |title=Wachusett Mountain |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Three converted coaches – a bike car and two cafe cars – are reserved for the [[CapeFLYER]].<ref name=roster />

The agency issued a $279 million contract (total project cost of $345 million) for 80 additional [[Rotem Commuter Cars|Rotem]] [[MBTA bilevel cars|bilevel coaches]] in September 2019, with delivery expected from September 2022 to June 2024.<ref name=2019award>{{cite press release |url=https://mbta.com/news/2019-09-23/fmcb-approves-the-procurement-80-new-commuter-rail-bi-level-coaches |title=FMCB Approves the Procurement of 80 New Commuter Rail Bi-Level Coaches |date=September 23, 2019 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The contract was later modified to 83 coaches, of which 43 are cab cars.<ref name=roster /> The first four of the 83 bilevel cars arrived in June 2022 and entered service in 2023.<ref name=roster /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/2.%20GM%20Report%20to%20Board%2006.23.2022-Final2.pdf |page=11 |title=GM Report |first=Steve |last=Poftak |date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In May 2024, the MBTA exercised an option order for 41 additional trailer coaches at a cost of $203 million, with deliveries to begin in mid-2026.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-05/10.%20FINAL%20and%20DRAFT%202_MassDOT%20Board%20HRU%20Option%20Presentation_05172024_FINAL.pdf |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Hyundai Rotem Bi-Level Coach Option Procurement |first=William G. |last=Wolfgang |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> An $165 million option for 39 additional coaches (29 trailers and 10 cab cars), which would allow the retirement of all remaining single-level equipment, was exercised in November 2024 with deliveries to begin in 2027.<ref name=Rotem112024>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/6%28a%29.%20MassDOT%20Board%20HRU%2039%20Coach%20Option%2011182024_jt.pdf |title=Hyundai Rotem Thirty-Nine (39) Bi-Level Coach Option Procurement |date=November 21, 2024 |first=William G. |last=Wolfgang |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Year built<ref name="roster" />
!Builder<ref name="roster" />
!Model<ref name="roster" />
!Numbers<ref name="roster" />
!Number active<ref name="roster" />
!Seats<ref name="roster" />
!Notes
!Image
|-
|1978–79
|[[Pullman Company|Pullman]]
|BTC-1C
|200–202, 204–214, 216–258
|32
|114
|Rebuilt from BTC-1 and CTC-1 cars in 1995–1996. Coach 219 is a bike/ski car, 221 a bike car, and 224 and 225 café cars.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 240 at West Natick station, May 2017.JPG|100px]]
|-
|1987
|[[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]]
|BTC-1A
|350–389
|40
|127
|
|[[File:MBTA 387 at Wedgemere station, December 2023.JPG|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|1987–88
|rowspan="2"|[[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm|MBB]]
|BTC-3
|500–542
|10
|86
|533–542 were converted from CTC-3 in 2019–2022.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 507 in dead line, April 2014.JPG|100px]]
|-
|CTC-3
|1500–1533
|0
|96
|
|[[File:Train entering Waverley MBTA Station, Belmont MA.jpg|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|1989–90
|rowspan="2"|Bombardier
|BTC-1B
|600–653
|49
|122
|
|[[File:Outbound train arrives at North Wilmington station August 2021.jpg|100px]]
|-
|CTC-1B
|1600–1652
|20
|122
|Cab controllers have been deactivated in coaches 1600–1624 for use as blind coaches. No cars of this group are still in active service as control trailer coaches.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA cab car 1633 at Rockport.JPG|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|1990–91
|rowspan="2"|[[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rolling Stock Company|Kawasaki]]
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|BTC-4]]
|700–749
|50
|185
|All units were overhauled by [[Alstom]] in 2014–2019.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 746 at Endicott station, November 2015.JPG|100px]]
|-
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|CTC-4]]
|1700–1724
|24
|175
|All active units were overhauled by Alstom in 2014–2019.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 1705 at Ruggles station, July 2021.jpg|100px]]
|-
|1997–1998
|Kawasaki
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|BTC-4A]]
|750–766
|17
|182
|All units were overhauled by Alstom in 2019–2021.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:BTC-4A coaches on the CapeFLYER.JPG|100px]]
|-
|2001–2002
|Kawasaki
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|BTC-4B]]
|767–781
|15
|182
|All units were overhauled by Alstom in 2019–2021.<ref name=roster />
|[[File:MBTA 775 at East Braintree Weymouth Landing station, January 2017.JPG|100px]]
|-
|2005–2006
|Kawasaki
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|BTC-4C]]
|900–932
|33
|178
|
|[[File:MBTA 915 in Hyannis Yard, June 2013.JPG|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|2012–2014
|rowspan="2"|[[Hyundai Rotem]]
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|BTC-4D]]
|800–846
|47
|179
|
|[[File:MBTA 829 at Norwood Depot, July 2021.jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[MBTA bilevel cars|CTC-5]]
|1800–1827
|28
|173
|
|[[File:MBTA 1824 at South Station, May 2017.jpg|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|2022–2024
|rowspan="2"|Hyundai Rotem
|BTC-4D
|847–886
|40
|179
|Currently entering service.<ref name="roster" />
|[[File:Photo op train at Freetown station, December 2022.jpg|100px]]
|-
|CTC-5
|1828–1870
|43
|173
|Currently entering service.<ref name="roster" />
|[[File:MBTA 1831 at Freetown station, December 2022.jpg|100px]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|2026–2027
|rowspan="2"|Hyundai Rotem
|BTC-4D
|
|70
|179
|Deliveries will start in 2026<ref name="roster" />
|
|-
|CTC-5
|
|10
|173
|Deliveries will start in 2027<ref name=Rotem112024 />
|}

=== Retired equipment ===
[[File:MBTA 1101 with GO coaches at South Station, March 1979.jpg|thumb|An EMD FP10 locomotive with rented GO Transit coaches at South Station in 1979]]
As the MBTA assumed control of the commuter rail during the 1970s, it inherited various equipment from predecessor railroads.<ref name=railwayage>{{cite magazine |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_n11_v192/ai_11544541/ |title=How MBTA rebuilt ridership |magazine=Railway Age |date=November 1991 |access-date=August 3, 2008 |author=Middleton, William D. |archive-date=May 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522111804/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1215/is_n11_v192/ai_11544541/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1976 purchase of B&M and Penn Central equipment included 94 [[Budd Rail Diesel Car]]s (RDCs) – 86 from the B&M and eight from Penn Central – plus 116 Penn Central coaches and 25 Penn Central [[EMD E8|E8]] and [[EMD GP9|GP9]] diesel locomotives.<ref name=roster /> Although the MBTA purchased some new equipment in 1978–1980, large locomotive and coach fleets were not purchased until the late 1980s, so the first decade of combined operations used a variety of secondhand equipment in addition to that acquired in 1976:<ref name=railwayage /><ref name=roster />
*Four [[ALCO PA]] locomotives leased from the [[Delaware and Hudson Railway]] in 1978<ref name=roster />
*48 coaches leased from [[GO Transit]] in 1978–1980. 51 coaches (some of which were in the previous group) were leased in 1984–85.<ref name=roster />
*19 [[EMD GP7]] locomotives leased from the B&M in 1978–1982<ref name=roster />
*24 RDCs acquired or leased from [[MARC Train|MARC]], [[SEPTA Regional Rail|SEPTA]], and [[NJ Transit Rail Operations|New Jersey Transit]] between 1983 and 1987<ref name=roster />
*11 EMD GP9 locomotives acquired from the [[Burlington Northern Railroad]] and [[SEMTA]] in 1983–1986<ref name=roster />
*One [[EMD SW9]] locomotive acquired from the [[Seaboard Coast Line Railroad]] in 1984<ref name=roster />
Most of the secondhand and inherited equipment was retired between 1979 and 1989. 33 ex-B&M RDCs were converted to locomotive-hauled coaches (designated BTC-2 and CTC-2) in 1980 and 1982; they were retired by 1989. This left all MBTA service operated by locomotives and coaches purchased new by the MBTA.<ref name=railwayage /><ref name=roster /> At several points since, the MBTA or its contract operator has temporarily leased locomotives when needed. Some passenger equipment acquired new by the MBTA has been retired:
*18 [[EMD F40PH]] locomotives (1000–1017), built 1978–1980 and last ran in 2015<ref name=roster />
*19 [[EMD FP10]] locomotives (1100–1114 and 1150–1153), rebuilt 1979 from [[Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad]] locomotives and last ran in 1991<ref name=railwayage /><ref name=roster />

== Expansion projects ==
=== Regional rail and electrification ===
[[File:Providence Line train approaching Canton Junction, April 2016.JPG|thumb|right|A diesel MBTA train on the electrified Northeast Corridor]]
The MBTA plans to convert the system from diesel-powered [[commuter rail]] – which is primarily designed for Boston-centric trips at peak hours – to an electric [[regional rail]] system with frequent all-day service. Initial steps were taken in fall 2020 when some peak service was moved to midday, and in April 2021 when 9 of the 15 lines were moved to [[clock-face scheduling]]. A previous attempt at regional rail was made in 2013–2014 with a procurement for [[diesel multiple unit]]s for the Fairmount Line, new [[Track 61 (Boston)|Track 61]] service, and several other lines with the new service being labeled as the [[Indigo Line]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/09/05/state-begin-innovative-rail-service-between-seaport-district-and-back-bay/oHUinYj30lzOV6KNCQUMEJ/story.html |title=State to begin innovative rail service between Seaport District and Back Bay |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Leung, Shirley |date=September 6, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221043451/https://www0.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/09/05/state-begin-innovative-rail-service-between-seaport-district-and-back-bay/oHUinYj30lzOV6KNCQUMEJ/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The DMU procurement as well as the Indigo Line proposal was canceled in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727155548/http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains |title=Charlie Baker derails T trains |archive-date=July 27, 2015 |newspaper=Boston Herald |last=Stout |first=Matt |date=June 20, 2015}}</ref>

The MBTA contracted [[Network Rail]] in 2019 to assess system-wide commuter rail improvements as well as regional rail consultation.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Network Rail Consulting Wins Boston MBTA Contract |url=https://www.networkrailconsulting.com/news-and-publications-2/news/network-rail-consulting-wins-boston-mbta-contract/ |publisher=Network Rail Consulting |date=September 10, 2019}}</ref> In June 2022, the MBTA indicated plans to purchase [[battery electric multiple unit]]s, with catenary for charging on part of the network. This was intended to reduce the amount of catenary installation required, avoid reconstructions of overhead bridges, and avoid poor existing power grids on some branch lines. The assessment called for electric service on the Providence/Stoughton Line and Fairmount Line by 2028–29, followed by the Newburyport/Rockport Line in 2031; all lines would be electrified by 2050.<ref name=june2022electric>{{cite web |url=https://mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/10.%20Rail%20Transformation%20Technology%20Board%20Update%20v2.pdf |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: Traction Power Planning for Regional and Urban Rail Services |first=Alistar |last=Sawers |date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Funding for electrification of the Framingham/Worcester Line was included in a 2022 state bond bill.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Millions For Worcester Transportation Upgrades In State Bond Bill |url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/millions-worcester-transportation-upgrades-state-bond-bill |access-date=August 12, 2022 |newspaper=Worcester, MA Patch |language=en}}</ref> Transit advocates have expressed concern that a hybrid service plan remains unproven for regional rail applications and could be more expensive to operate than full-build electrification; others have criticized that the MBTA's cost and construction projections for system-wide [[Catenary (rail)|catenary installation]] were overestimated in comparison to similar project costs in Europe and North America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Could the New Governor Breathe New Life Into the T's Regional Rail Plans? |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2022/11/29/could-the-new-governor-breathe-new-life-into-the-ts-regional-rail-plans/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=StreetsblogMASS |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohl |first=Bruce |date=June 23, 2022 |title=MBTA outlines hybrid approach on rail electrification |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/mbta-outlines-hybrid-approach-on-rail-electrification/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=CommonWealth Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, the MBTA indicated plans to pilot [[electric multiple unit]]s on [[Providence/Stoughton Line|Providence service]] (on the [[Northeast Corridor]], which is already electrified for Amtrak service) in 2024, with the Fairmount Line and the inner section of the Newburyport/Rockport Line electrified later in the decade.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/2021-04-12-fmcb-J-regional-rail-update.pdf |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: EMU Pilot and Phase 1 Planning Update |date=April 12, 2021 |first=Alistair |last=Sawers |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412182317/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/2021-04-12-fmcb-J-regional-rail-update.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, the MBTA indicated that pilot electric service between Boston and Providence would be possible after the introduction of the [[Avelia Liberty]] (then planned for late 2023) would free up [[Siemens ACS-64|ACS-64 locomotives]] for use.<ref name=june2022electric /> Neither pilot was pursued. By 2022, lawmakers and environmental advocacy groups had criticized recent MBTA proposals for not adhering to previously set rail initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bruce Mohl |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Keeping score on MBTA control board's priorities |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/keeping-score-on-mbta-control-boards-priorities/ |newspaper=CommonWealth |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408043309/https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/keeping-score-on-mbta-control-boards-priorities/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Several preliminary projects, including planning for a new layover facility – but not actual electrification – were scheduled for fiscal years 2023 to 2027.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 2022 |title=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY23-27 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Proposed |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022-03-24-proposed-fy23-27-mbta-cip-2.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=46, 68, 96, 111}}</ref> Early-action regional rail projects including designs for power systems, substations, signal upgrades, and track improvements along with the procurement of 25 EMUs are planned for fiscal years 2025 to 2029.<ref name="draft2529cip" />

In December 2023, Keolis solicited a proposal to procure BEMUs and implement 20-minute headways on the Fairmount Line by 2027 as leverage for contract renewal; the MBTA issued a [[Due diligence|notice of due diligence]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/mbta-plan-would-introduce-battery-electric-equipment-on-one-commuter-rail-route/ |title=MBTA plan would introduce battery-electric equipment on one commuter rail route |first=David |last=Lassen |date=March 17, 2024 |newspaper=Trains News Wire |access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name="draft2529cip">{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04-25-fy25-29-mbta-proposed-cip-project-list-accessible.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |title=Proposed FY25-29 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Project List |date=April 25, 2024}}</ref> That month, the MBTA also issued a [[request for information]] (RFI) which indicated the pursuit of a [[Public–private partnership|public-private partnership]] agreement to facilitate the construction of regional rail and electrification projects as a stipulation within future Commuter Rail operations contracts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_rfp/details/RFI-63-24-for-the-Regional-Rail-Future-Innovative-Operating-Contract--71524 |title=Rail RFP: (RFI) #63-24 for the Regional Rail Future Innovative Operating Contract |publisher=Progressive Railroading |date=March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325072409/https://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_rfp/details/RFI-63-24-for-the-Regional-Rail-Future-Innovative-Operating-Contract--71524 |archive-date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> The MBTA board approved the $54 million Fairmount Line proposal from Keolis in July 2024, with the new equipment to enter service in early 2028. Keolis will construct a light maintenance facility for BEMUs as part of the contract.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-25/mbta-board-approves-keolis-plan-introduce-battery-electric-trains-fairmount |date=July 25, 2024 |title=MBTA Board Approves Keolis Plan to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/fairmount-line-keolis-decarbonization-proposal-update-3-7-25-2024.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Decarbonized Service |date=July 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In August 2024, the MBTA indicated that the BEMUs acquired for the Fairmount Line would be piloted on other lines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=The T's New Electric Fairmount Line Trains Could Run On Other Lines, Too - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/08/13/the-ts-new-electric-fairmount-line-trains-could-run-on-other-lines-too |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> In September 2024, the MBTA expressed that initial BEMU service would enable preliminary regional rail operations while funds are sought for the implementation of full-continuous electrification; full electrification would enable increased frequencies and lower operational costs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Of BPR 9/09: Ask The MBTA's Phillip Eng |url=https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/boston-public-radio/best-of-bpr-9-09-ask-the-mbtas-phillip-eng |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=GBH |language=en}}</ref>

In December 2024, the MBTA indicated plans to implement 30-minute all-day headways on the Framingham/Worcester Line by FY 2026 with existing diesel trains. Consists would be shortened to 4 coaches long; 4-car BEMUs would be implemented at a later date with increased frequencies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-09 |title=Worcester Line Trains Will Get Shorter – But Also More Frequent - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/12/09/worcester-line-trains-will-get-shorter-but-also-more-frequent |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> The Fairmount Line had previously implemented 30-minute all-day headways with diesel trainsets in May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title=MBTA Regional Rail Schedule Changes Add More Service on Worcester, Fairmount Lines - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/04/25/mbta-regional-rail-schedule-changes-add-more-service-on-worcester-fairmount-lines |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> 

=== North–South Rail Link ===
No direct connection exists between the two downtown commuter rail terminals; passengers must use the [[MBTA subway]] or other modes to transfer between the two halves of the system. (For non-revenue transfers of equipment, the MBTA and Amtrak use the [[Grand Junction Railroad and Depot Company|Grand Junction Branch]].) The proposed [[North–South Rail Link]] would add a new rail tunnel under downtown Boston to allow through-running service, with new underground stations at South Station, North Station, and possibly [[Aquarium station (MBTA)#Central Station proposal|a new Central Station]]. A feasibility study was conducted in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=North South Rail Link Feasibility Reassessment |publisher=MassDOT |date=June 2018 |url=https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/06/29/NSRLJun18_PubPres.pdf |access-date=2021-04-12 |archive-date=2019-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130002146/https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/06/29/NSRLJun18_PubPres.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== South Coast Rail ===
[[File:Middleborough station near completion (1), August 2023.jpg|thumb|[[Middleborough station]] nearing completion as part of the South Coast Rail project in 2023]]
The [[South Coast Rail]] project is under construction to extend service to the South Coast cities of [[Taunton, Massachusetts|Taunton]], [[Fall River, Massachusetts|Fall River]], and [[New Bedford]], which were last served by commuter service in 1958. A full planning process was held from 1990 until its suspension in 2002. Planning restarted in 2007, with environmental documentation completed in August 2013. Plans were modified into two phases in 2017 due to an increase in costs.<ref name=sharp>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/16/sharp-differences-over-latest-plan-for-south-coast-rail/Vlmt4rC3DXy8Wo5gIJWLYI/story.html |title=Sharp differences over latest plan for South Coast Rail |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 16, 2017 |first=John |last=Laidler |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618072057/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/16/sharp-differences-over-latest-plan-for-south-coast-rail/Vlmt4rC3DXy8Wo5gIJWLYI/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Phase I is under construction to run diesel service beginning in May 2025 as an extension of the [[Middleborough/Lakeville Line]] via the [[Middleboro Secondary]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2024/06/13/mbta-ceo-south-coast-rail-delayed-to-may-2025-fare-unveiled/74092923007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614021705/https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2024/06/13/mbta-ceo-south-coast-rail-delayed-to-may-2025-fare-unveiled/74092923007/ |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |title='MBTA owes this region an apology': South Coast Rail start is delayed another year |first=Dan |last=Medeiros |newspaper=The Herald News |date=June 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-06-14/mbta-general-manager-provides-update-progress-south-coast-rail-project-milestone |title=MBTA General Manager Provides Update on Progress of South Coast Rail Project, Milestone Reached with New Testing Phase |date=June 14, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Phase II, proposed for completion by 2030, would extend the Stoughton Branch of the Providence/Stoughton Line over [[Dighton and Somerset Railroad|a reactivated line]] with electric service.

=== Other extensions ===
Two extensions of existing lines have been studied in the 2020s:
*Extension of the Middleborough/Lakeville Line to [[Buzzards Bay station|Buzzards Bay]] or [[Sagamore station|Sagamore]] (both in [[Bourne, Massachusetts|Bourne]]) to serve [[Cape Cod]] was studied in 1997, and extension to Buzzards Bay was again studied in 2007.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/bourne-commuter-rail-feasibility-study-1997 |title=Bourne Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |date=March 1997 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/buzzards-bay-commuter-rail-extension-feasibility-study |title=Buzzards Bay Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Study |date=January 2007 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref> The extension was again proposed after the 2013 introduction of the CapeFLYER. The town of Bourne voted in 2015 to join the MBTA district.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2016/02/15/this-cape-cod-town-paying-for-rail-service-that-doesn-exist/eZFnsoYKObHQ8Vd8oFPXkK/story.html |title=This Cape Cod town is paying for rail service that doesn't exist |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=February 15, 2016 |last=Vaccaro |first=Adam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216092048/http://boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2016/02/15/this-cape-cod-town-paying-for-rail-service-that-doesn-exist/eZFnsoYKObHQ8Vd8oFPXkK/story.html |archive-date=February 16, 2016}}</ref> MassDOT began planning a possible commuter rail trial service in October 2015.<ref name=rausch>{{cite news |url=http://www.capenews.net/bourne/news/details-expected-soon-about-buzzards-bay-commuter-trains/article_d07d5ba8-314f-5935-9332-09c03b99ae4a.html |title=Details Expected Soon About Buzzards Bay Commuter Trains |newspaper=Cape News |first=Michael J. |last=Rausch |date=February 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130002938/http://www.capenews.net/bourne/news/details-expected-soon-about-buzzards-bay-commuter-trains/article_d07d5ba8-314f-5935-9332-09c03b99ae4a.html |archive-date=November 30, 2019}}</ref> The proposed service, which was to have shuttle trains between Bourne and {{bts|Middleborough/Lakeville}} operated by [[Massachusetts Coastal Railroad]], was rejected by the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board in April 2016.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/t-approves-n-quincy-real-estate-deal/ |title=T approves N. Quincy real estate deal: Rejects test of daily commuter service to Cape Cod |newspaper=Commonwealth Magazine |date=April 4, 2016 |first=Bruce |last=Mohl |access-date=December 29, 2022}}</ref> [[Middleborough station]], which will replace Middleborough/Lakeville in 2023 when South Coast Rail service begins, was built with space for a potential future platform for shuttle trains.<ref name=scr-dseir>{{cite book |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/south-coast-rail-dseir-full-report/download |chapter=Chapter 2 – Alternatives Analysis |title=South Coast Rail Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |date=January 31, 2018 |author=VHB/HNTB}}</ref>{{rp|37}} A 2021 study analyzed two alternatives for service to Buzzards Bay or [[Bourne station]]. Middleborough–Buzzards Bay shuttle service with 7 daily round trips was expected to have 1,710 total daily boardings, while Middleborough–Bourne service with 10 daily round trips (including two off-peak Boston–Bourne round trips) was expected to have 2,540 total daily boardings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cape Rail Study |url=https://www.capecodcommission.org/resource-library/file/?url=/dept/commission/team/Website_Resources/transportation/Transit/Cape%20Rail%20Study%20Report.pdf |publisher=Cape Cod Commission |date=September 2021 |page=ES{{hyphen}}3}}</ref>
*Extension of the Lowell Line to [[Union Station (Manchester, New Hampshire)|Manchester]] and [[Nashua, New Hampshire]] has been proposed since the 1980–81 pilot service.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://stateimpact.npr.org/new-hampshire/2013/02/26/a-new-push-for-commuter-rail/ |title=A New Push For Commuter Rail |newspaper=New Hampshire Public Radio |date=February 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304094215/https://stateimpact.npr.org/new-hampshire/2013/02/26/a-new-push-for-commuter-rail/ |archive-date=March 4, 2013 |first=Sheryl |last=Rich-Kern}}</ref> The extension has been a politically contentious issue at the state level in New Hampshire, with Democratic politicians supporting the service and Republican politicians opposing it.<ref name=nhbr>{{cite news |url=https://www.nhbr.com/new-hampshire-executive-council-oks-start-of-capitol-corridor-design/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228174630/https://www.nhbr.com/new-hampshire-executive-council-oks-start-of-capitol-corridor-design/ |archive-date=December 28, 2020 |date=December 22, 2020 |title=New Hampshire Executive Council OKs start of Capitol Corridor design |newspaper=New Hampshire Business Review |first=Michael |last=Kitch}}</ref> A 2014 alternatives analysis recommended several possible services, including commuter rail to Nashua or Manchester or [[intercity rail]] to Concord, for further evaluation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/aerorailtransit/railandtransit/corridor-rail-transit.htm |title=New Hampshire Capitol Corridor Rail and Transit Alternatives Analysis |date=December 2014 |publisher=New Hampshire Department of Transportation}}</ref> Engineering and design work for commuter service to Manchester began in late 2020, and was completed in February 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nashua - Manchester 40818 {{!}} Project Specific Information {{!}} Project Center {{!}} NH Department of Transportation |url=https://www.nh.gov/dot/projects/nashuamanchester40818/index.htm |access-date=2023-03-12 |website=www.nh.gov}}</ref> In August 2023, New Hampshire Governor candidate Joyce Craig made a public statement endorsing the project as part of her campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sexton |first=Adam |date=2023-08-30 |title=Craig says she will bring commuter rail to New Hampshire if elected governor |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/craig-commuter-rail-new-hampshire-governor/44954512 |access-date=2023-11-03 |website=WMUR |language=en}}</ref>

Several other extensions of existing lines and restoration of service to disused lines have been studied in the past:
{{div col||colwidth=40em}}
*[[Providence/Stoughton Line#Extensions|Extension of the Providence/Stoughton Line]] to [[Westerly station|Westerly, Rhode Island]] (studied in 2001 and 2017)<ref name="RIDOT2001">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090416051517/http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |archive-date=April 16, 2009 |url=http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/intermodal/OperationsPlanMaster2.pdf |title=South County Commuter Rail Service Plan |date=July 2001 |publisher=Rhode Island Department of Transportation |author=Edwards and Kelcey, Inc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citycentrewarwick.com/sites/default/files/FRA-%20Feasibility%20Study%20for%20Intercity%20Rail%20Service%20to%20T.F.%20Green%20Airport-%202017_0.pdf |title=Feasibility Study for Intercity Rail Service to T.F. Green Airport |date=April 2017 |publisher=Amtrak and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation}}</ref>
*[[Franklin/Foxboro Line#Milford extension|Extension of the Franklin Line]] to [[Milford, Massachusetts|Milford]] (studied in 1997)<ref name=milford1997 /> or [[Woonsocket, Rhode Island]] (studied in 2007)<ref name=Woonsocket2007>{{cite web |url=http://www.gcpvd.org/images/other/woonsocket_commuterrail_report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402183147/http://www.gcpvd.org/images/other/woonsocket_commuterrail_report.pdf |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |title=Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |year=2007 |publisher=City of Woonsocket |author=Jacobs Edwards and Kelcey}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Millis Branch]] to {{bts|Millis}} (studied in 1998)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/millis-commuter-rail-extension-feasibility-study-1998/mode/2up |title=Millis Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Study |date=March 1998 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Milford Branch]] to Milford (studied in 1990 and 1997)<ref name=metrowest1990>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/commuter-rail-extension-feasibility-study-framingham-worcester-milford-marlborough.-1990/mode/2up |title=Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Study: Framingham to Worcester, Milford & Marlborough |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=January 1990 |author=Stone & Webster}}</ref><ref name=milford1997>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/milford-commuter-rail-extension-feasibility-study-1998/mode/2up |title=Milford Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Study |date=July 1997 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Fitchburg Secondary]] to [[Marlborough, Massachusetts|Marlborough]] (studied in 1990)<ref name=metrowest1990 /> or [[Northborough, Massachusetts|Northborough]]/[[Interstate 290 (Massachusetts)|I-290]] (studied in 2002)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/i-290-northborough-commuter-rail-extension-feasibility-study_202203/mode/2up |title=I-290/ Northborough Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Study |date=April 2002 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref>
*Rerouting of some Framingham/Worcester Line service to North Station via the [[Grand Junction Branch]] (studied in 2012)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/wgjfinal-report |title=Grand Junction Transportation Feasibility Study |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff |date=July 2012}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Central Massachusetts Railroad#MBTACentralMassBranch|Central Mass Branch]] to [[Berlin, Massachusetts|Berlin]]/[[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|I-495]] (studied in 1996)<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/central-mass-commuter-rail-feasibility-study-1996/mode/2up |title=Central Mass Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |date=December 1996 |last=Humphrey |first=Thomas J. |publisher=Central Transportation Planning Staff}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Lexington Branch]] to {{bts|Bedford}} (studied in 1985)<ref>{{cite book |url=http://www.bedforddepot.org/history/study/index.html |title=M.B.T.A. Lexington Branch Railroad Right-of-Way Study |date=1985 |author=Vollmer Associates |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220095933/http://bedforddepot.org/history/study/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Extension of the Fitchburg Line to {{bts|Gardner}} (studied in 2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mbta.com/projects_underway/pdf/Fitchburg/Fitchburg_Expansion_Main.pdf |archive-date=March 18, 2006 |title=Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line Service Expansion Study |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=February 2005 |author=McMahon Associates  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060318010516/http://www.mbta.com/projects_underway/pdf/Fitchburg/Fitchburg_Expansion_Main.pdf |pages=27–28}}</ref>
*[[Haverhill Line#Plaistow|Extension of the Haverhill Line]] to [[Plaistow, New Hampshire]] (studied in 2015)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nh.gov/dot/org/aerorailtransit/railandtransit/plaistow-rail-study/index.htm |title=Plaistow Commuter Rail Extension Study |publisher=New Hampshire Department of Transportation |date=March 2015}}</ref>
*Extension of the Newburyport/Rockport Line to [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]] (studied in 1988 and 1999)<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040718182048/http:/www.rpc-nh.org/PDFs/docs/HampBranchFeasStudy.pdf |archive-date=July 18, 2004 |date=June 30, 1999 |title=Hampton Branch Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |publisher=Seacoast Metropolitan Planning Organization |url=http://www.rpc-nh.org/PDFs/docs/HampBranchFeasStudy.pdf}}</ref>
*Restoration of service on the [[Essex Railroad|Peabody Branch]] between {{bts|Salem}} and [[Danvers, Massachusetts|Danvers]] (studied in 2004)<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226153137/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=1012 |archive-date=February 26, 2010 |title=North Shore Transit Improvements Project Major Investment Study |date=March 2004 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |author=PB/DMJM+HARRIS, Joint Venture |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=1012}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

=== Infill stations ===
[[File:Outbound train passing Natick Center station construction (2), March 2022.JPG|thumb|right|Reconstruction of Natick Center station in 2022]]
Several [[infill station]]s on existing lines are under construction or proposed:
*[[West Station (MBTA)|West Station]] is a proposed Framingham/Worcester Line station to serve the [[Beacon Park Yard]] redevelopment.<ref name=Annear>{{cite news |last=Annear |first=Steve |title=Take A Ride On The MBTA's "New Indigo Line" In 2024 |url=http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2014/01/09/massdot-capital-plan-proposal/ |newspaper=[[Boston Magazine]] |date=January 9, 2014 |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023004817/http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2014/01/09/massdot-capital-plan-proposal/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[South Salem station]] is a proposed Newburyport/Rockport Line station near [[Salem State University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/salemnews.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/2f/e2fdad2c-aac1-11e6-95d8-bfd471ccf589/582a48fe316c0.pdf.pdf |title=South Salem Stop: Conceptual Design Update |publisher=The Salem Partnership |date=November 14, 2016}}</ref>

=== Station renovations ===
Several station renovations for [[accessibility]], expanded service, and/or repairs are under construction or planned:
*[[Natick Center station]] is being rebuilt for accessibility, with completion expected in December 2024.<ref name=SWAJune2024>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024-06-Accessibility-Initiatives.pdf |title=Accessibility Initiatives—June 2024 |date=June 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=6}}</ref>
*[[Winchester Center station]] is being rebuilt for accessibility. The station was temporarily closed in January 2021 due to structural deterioration; the rebuilt station partially opened on October 1, 2024, with the remaining portion to open in late 2024 or early 2025.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-09-17/mbta-announces-partial-opening-winchester-center-station |title=MBTA Announces Partial Opening of Winchester Center Station |date=September 17, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Lowell/alerts |title=Lowell Line Alerts |date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024|publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930234956/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Lowell/alerts|archive-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref>
*A new [[island platform]] at [[Worcester Union Station]] was opened on July 1, 2024, with the project expected to be fully complete later in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2024 |title=MBTA Celebrates Opening of Worcester Union Station Center Platform |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-09/mbta-celebrates-opening-worcester-union-station-center-platform |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>
*Design work for reconstruction of [[South Attleboro station]] for accessibility was completed in April 2022, though construction work has not been funded. The station was temporarily closed on February 26, 2021 due to structural deterioration; limited service resumed on May 20, 2024.<ref name=swanov2023 /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/11.%20Draft%202_Spring%202024%20Schedule%20Changes_Board%20Meeting%20Slides_April%202024%20v1.pdf |title=Spring 2024 Transportation Schedule Changes |date=April 25, 2024 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |page=7 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426045800/https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/se-mass/mbta-reopening-south-attleboro-train-station/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024 |url=https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/se-mass/mbta-reopening-south-attleboro-train-station/  |title=MBTA reopening South Attleboro train station |first=Paige |last=Messier |date=April 25, 2024}}</ref>
*Reconstruction of {{bts|North Wilmington}} for accessibility is planned to begin in 2024.<ref name=swanov2023>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023-11-27-accessibility-initiatives.pdf |title=System-Wide Accessibility Initiatives—November 2023 |date=November 27, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Department of System-Wide Accessibility |pages=6–8}}</ref>
*Reconstruction of {{bts|Lynn}} is planned. The station was temporarily closed in October 2022 due to structural deterioration; interim platforms opened in December 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-12-15/commuter-rail-service-returns-lynn-monday-december-18 |title=Commuter Rail Service Returns to Lynn on Monday, December 18 |date=December 15, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>
*Reconstruction of {{bts|Auburndale}}, {{bts|West Newton}}, and {{bts|Newtonville}} for accessibility and increased capacity are planned.<ref name=swanov2023 />In November 2024, the state committed to the reconstruction of Newtonville station.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-mbta-congressman-auchincloss-mayor-fuller-celebrate-commitment-to-rebuild-newtonville-station |title=Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA, Congressman Auchincloss, Mayor Fuller Celebrate Commitment to Rebuild Newtonville Station |publisher=Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll |date=November 25, 2024}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[List of Massachusetts railroads]]
*[[East-West Passenger Rail (Massachusetts)|East-West Passenger Rail]]
*[[Northern Tier Passenger Rail]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Attached KML}}
*[http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/ MBTA – Commuter Rail Schedules and Maps]
*[http://www.keoliscs.com/ Keolis Commuter Services]
*[http://www.transithistory.org/roster/ NETransit – MBTA Fleet Roster]
*[https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision MBTA Rail Vision] – future transformation plans

{{MBTA}}
{{Keolis}}
{{Northeast Corridor navbox}}
{{USCommRail}}

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[[Category:Keolis]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transportation in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transportation in Rhode Island]]
[[Category:Massachusetts railroads]]
[[Category:Rhode Island railroads]]
[[Category:Transportation in New England]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Standard gauge railways in the United States]]