MBTA, Keolis Create 'Road Map' To Implement Service Improvements

The MBTA's commuter rail provider has agreed to a number of items aimed at improving rail service for customers following last winter's failures.

The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services have agreed that there will be 65 locomotives available for service each weekday and the two will "measure improvements in service against an overall adjusted [on-time-performance] goal of 92 percent, with no individual line below 90 percent."

The agreement, which is separate from the contract, also calls for a new life cycle maintenance plan "for early detection of future maintenance," training, a commitment to providing the requisite seating capacity and a plan to better collect fares – which go to the MBTA.

The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board endorsed the plan, according to an announcement that went out Monday.

"I'm pleased that Keolis has agreed in writing to work harder to achieve our shared goal of providing the level of service Commuter Rail customers expect and deserve," Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said in a statement.

"Through this agreement, we are committing to the MBTA and our customers that we will further improve our service," said Keolis General Manager Gerald Francis in a statement. "More importantly, this agreement serves as a road map for how we are going to deliver this improved service and rebuild the confidence and trust of our passengers by delivering on this commitment."