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.