The MBTA commuter-rail operator contract is moving into its next procurement step, with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority saying yesterday that it is requesting proposals from three teams it has identified as qualified to bid, as reported by Progressive Railroading.

MBTA commuter-rail operator contract: 3 teams invited
Photo: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

The current contract with Keolis Commuter Services is set to expire on June 30, 2027.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

MBTA said the qualified bidders include Keolis-Alstom JV Partners (a joint venture of Keolis America Inc. and Alstom Transport USA Inc.), Mass Regional Rail (a consortium of Alternate Concepts Inc., TransitAmerica Services Inc. and RATP Developpement S.A.), and a consortium of Transdev North America, Inc. and Transport UK Holdings Ltd., according to Mass Transit Magazine.

MBTA officials said the selected team will operate the commuter railroad and oversee system modernization projects. The contract scope also includes managing the system’s parking lots and structures. In addition, the operator will launch decarbonized battery-electric unit service on the Fairmount Line in 2028 and oversee procurement of new trains that will replace the current fleet of diesel trains, as noted in a Railway Age update.

MBTA commuter-rail operator contract timeline

MBTA said it will work with the bidders to develop final proposals, which are expected to be submitted in fall 2026. Officials expect to select the preferred team by the end of 2026.

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Scope of work for the next commuter-rail operator

Along with day-to-day operations, the winning team will be responsible for key upgrades tied to MBTA’s broader commuter-rail plans, including modernization work, parking management, and the transition steps associated with new rolling stock and Fairmount Line battery-electric service.

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