Keolis contract for Boston rail network extended to 2027

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has just granted a one-year extension to the contract of Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), which has operated and maintained Boston's commuter rail network since 2014. With ridership up to 90% of its pre-COVID level, Boston is the fastest-growing rail network in the United States. KCS also achieved its best operating performance of the last ten years in 2023 and 2024. It successfully deployed a new timetable with a balanced and reinforced offer (peak/off-peak hours and weekends), attracting new customers to the trains.

Following the unanimous decision of the MBTA Board of Directors, Keolis will operate and maintain the rail system until mid-2027. This achievement is the fruit of Keolis' local teams working alongside the MBTA to enhance performance, improve the passenger experience and optimize operations.

In 2020, the MBTA extended KCS's contract until June 2026, with the possibility of a further one-year extension. Its Board of Directors voted on April 25 to extend the contract, which will enable KCS to continue delivering record performance and excellent passenger service for several more years.

The extension will also enable the MBTA to carefully consider the future of its rail network and set its public transport objectives for the years ahead. The 14 rail lines connect towns in eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and central Boston on 640 km of track. The network serves 135 stations and is used by over 550,000 passengers a week.