Farewell Boston

Boston to a T was started in my dorm room at Suffolk University three years ago. I wanted to create a blog that showcased to college students what it was like to live in the heart of Boston. But over the past three years Boston to a T has transformed into a platform dedicated to informing the public about the inner workings of Boston's public transportation system.

First, I would truly like to thank you for reading and following Boston to a T. Whether you read us on a daily basis, followed us on Twitter or Facebook, or just accidentally stumbled upon the page I want to thank you for the support. For me, creating this blog has not only helped me strive to become a better journalist, but it has also instilled in me a love for urban development and planning, hospitality, and of course transportation.

But now it is time for me to say goodbye. Tomorrow, I begin a new chapter in my life. I will be moving down to the beautiful state of Tennessee to begin my career as a on-air reporter. I will be working at WBBJ-TV which is the ABC and CBS affiliate in West Tennessee.

So you may be asking yourself, "what's next for Boston to a T"? Although I won't be living in the city I hope to still update you all about what is happening in and around the City of Boston. But things will not be the same. The Boston to a T Facebook page will still exist, I will try to update it with content in my free time.  I will also try to write posts here if I have time as well. As for the Twitter account, I have not yet decided what it's fate will be. I will post an update here as well as the Facebook page in the coming week as to what will come next.

Having the opportunity to inform you all about the inner workings of the MBTA over the past three years has truly been an honor and a privilege. I'm going to miss Boston, but I am very excited for what this new opportunity has in store for me.

Be sure to follow the hashtag  #DanMovesSouth to see my new adventure unfold!

Until next time Boston...

Sincerely,

Dan Lampariello

The T is Taking Care of Business

Keolis Transportation pushes MBCR out of Boston.

Courtesy: Keolis America 

After a nearly three hour meeting, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has unanimously approved Keolis Transportation as the new operator of the states commuter rail system, replacing the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company (MBCR).

The new contract with Keolis will last eight years, with the possibility of two two-year extensions. The contract will cost the Commonwealth $335 million a year ($2.68 billion over 8 years) which will be the largest operating contract in the states history.

According to MBTA General Manager Bev Scott, Keolis is mandated to hire the entire current commuter rail workforce and keep existing labor agreements in place.

Keolis, a French base transportation company, is just breaking into the United States. They currently only have one other contract, which is with the Virginia Rail Express. 

Keolis will take over for the MBCR when their contract end on June 30.

MBTA GM Backs New Commuter Rail Contractor

©2013 Boston to a T

The Mass Bay Commuter Rail Company's (MBCR) eleven year reign over the T's commuter rail system may be coming to end.

After delays and months of closed-door deliberations MBTA General Manager, Bev Scott, has decided to recommend that the T drop the MBCR and award a new contract to Keolis Transportation.

The current contract with the MBCR will expire on June 30.

The new contract calls for an eight-year term with the possibility of multiple two-year options after that.

The T's board of directors will have the final say on who the $1 billion contract is awarded to, which could happen when they meet on January 8.

Keolis, a French base transportation company, is just breaking into the United States. They currently only have one contract, which is with the Virginia Rail Express.

Whether the MBCR or Keolis is award the contract there will surly be some changes happening on the rails here in Boston.