Editing MBTA Commuter Rail (section)

=== Expansions ===
The late 1980s saw the beginning of substantial expansion of the system. The [[Southwest Corridor (Boston)|Southwest Corridor]] project was completed in 1987 with a new below-ground alignment for commuter rail, Amtrak, and [[Orange Line (MBTA)|Orange Line]] trains. Back Bay and {{bts|Forest Hills}} stations were completely rebuilt as transfer stations, and {{bts|Ruggles}} opened to serve the growing [[Longwood Medical Area]]. The Needham Line, closed since 1979 for construction, was reopened. The Attleboro and Franklin lines had been diverted over the previously freight-only Dorchester Branch during construction; after they returned to the Southwest Corridor, a shuttle service was retained as the [[Fairmount Line]].<ref name=netransit /> Peak-hour service to Providence resumed in 1988 (with off-peak and weekend service later added); {{bts|South Attleboro}} was added in 1990 as a park-and-ride station to replace {{bts|Pawtucket–Central Falls}}.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44826069/the_boston_globe/ |title=Starts and Stops: Old Colony line inspires a petition duel |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Ronald |last=Rosenberg |date=July 30, 1990 |page=18 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The Franklin Line was extended to {{bts|Forge Park/495}} in 1988; infill stations in that era included {{bts|Yawkey}} in 1988 to serve [[Boston Red Sox]] games at [[Fenway Park]], and {{bts|Dedham Corporate Center}} in 1990.<ref name=netransit />

Massachusetts had state [[accessibility]] laws since 1977 – prior to [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|1990 federal legislation]]. At times, the MBTA clashed with state regulators: several stations including West Natick and Chelsea were built without accessible platforms despite state rules; the latter resulted in fines from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38305973/the_boston_globe/ |title=Advocates push for train access |date=August 2, 1992 |first=Doreen E. |last=Iudica |newspaper=Boston Globe |via=Newspapers.com}}([https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38305982/the_boston_globe/ second page]) {{open access}}</ref><ref name=pressured>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44834961/the_boston_globe/ |title=T pressured to open all routes to disabled |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Jerry |last=Ackerman |date=March 8, 1989 |pages=1, 16 |via=Newspapers.com}} ([https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44835027/the_boston_globe/ second page], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/44835490/the_boston_globe/ third page]) {{open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/59911349/the-boston-globe/ |title=Another day, another $100 |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=May 22, 1989 |page=20 |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> The opening of South Attleboro was delayed by the MAAB because of the MBTA's refusal to build full-length high-level platforms.<ref name=pressured /> However, the MBTA did slowly increase accessibility of the system. Most Ipswich/Rockport line stations were made accessible during the 1984–85 closure, and renovations followed at other stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69473981/the-boston-globe/ |title=North Shore bridge job "on target" |first=Ray |last=Richard |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=September 16, 1985 |page=17, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69474018/the-boston-globe/ 20] |via=Newspapers.com}} {{open access}}</ref> South Station was made accessible in the late 1980s, Back Bay during the Southwest Corridor project, and North Station in the early 1990s, providing accessibility at the main downtown Boston stations.<ref name=pressured /> By 1992, 44 commuter rail stations were accessible.<ref name=access1992>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/stream/mbtaaccessguidet00mass |title=MBTA: ACCESS; The Guide to Accessible Services and Facilities |pages=14, 15 |date=June 1992 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Internet Archive}}</ref>

In 1991, the state agreed to build a set of transit projects as part of the settlement of a lawsuit by the [[Conservation Law Foundation]] (CLF) over auto emissions from the Central Artery/Tunnel Project ([[Big Dig]]). Among these project were extensions of the Framingham Line to Worcester and the Ipswich/Rockport Line to Newburyport, restoration of the Old Colony Lines ([[Middleborough/Lakeville Line]] and [[Plymouth/Kingston Line]]), and addition of 20,000 park and ride spaces outside the urban core.<ref name=1991agreement>{{Cite journal |last=United States Environmental Protection Agency |date=October 4, 1994 |title=Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts—Amendment to Massachusetts' SIP (for Ozone and for Carbon Monoxide) for Transit Systems Improvements and High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities in the Metropolitan Boston Air Pollution Control District) |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/citation/59-FR-50498 |journal=Federal Register |volume=59 FR 50498}}</ref> Peak-hour service to Worcester began in 1994, followed by off-peak and weekend service; four intermediate stations were added in 2000 and 2002. Service on the Old Colony Lines began in 1997. {{bts|Newburyport}} and {{bts|Rowley}} opened in 1998.<ref name=netransit /> The [[MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility]], which replaced the ex-B&M Boston Engine Terminal, was completed in 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112015446/the-boston-globe/ |title=On drinking and driving: many studies, but little consensus |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=March 9, 1998 |first=Thomas C. Jr. |last=Palmer |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

Two tenders were submitted in 2003, one from GTI and another from the newly formed Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR), a partnership between [[Veolia Transport|Connex]] (later Veolia), [[Bombardier Transportation]] and Alternate Concepts, Inc. MBCR won the contract, and took over the MBTA Commuter Rail operation from Amtrak in July 2003. The MBCR contract originally expired in July 2008 but had an additional five-year option; it was later extended three years to July 2011 and then another two to July 2013.<ref name="MBCR contract">{{cite web| title = MBTA Exercises Option With MBCR For Commuter Rail Service, Launches New Customer-Focused Improvements| publisher = MBTA| date = January 6, 2010| url = http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18672&month=&year=| quote = MBTA extends MBCR contract another two years.| access-date = January 7, 2010| archive-date = October 9, 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101009064933/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=18672&month=&year=| url-status = live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/commuter_rail_firm_gets_contract_extension/ Commuter Rail Firm Gets Contract Extension] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025070931/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/07/commuter_rail_firm_gets_contract_extension/ |date=2012-10-25 }} Boston.com, accessed February 16, 2010.</ref> After concerns about on-time performance, the 2011 extension increased the fine for late trains from $100 to $300.<ref>Boston Metro, June 6, 2008, p. 2.</ref>
{{anchor|MBCR}}
The MBTA considered running the service directly rather than contracting it out, but this "public option" was rejected in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2012/01/07/mbta-nixes-commuter-rail-takeover/49775800007/ |title=MBTA nixes commuter rail takeover |first=Bob |last=Salsberg |newspaper=Worcester Telegram |date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=March 2, 2023}}</ref> In August 2012, MBCR and [[Keolis]] were the two bidders for the contract. On January 8, 2014, the MBTA awarded Keolis the contract for $2.68 billion over eight years, with the possibility of two two-year extensions that could bring the total price to $4.3 billion.<ref>http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442451214&month=1&year=14 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303221106/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442451214&month=1&year=14 |date=2016-03-03 }} MBTA press release on Keolis Commuter Services award</ref> Keolis took over the operations on July 1, 2014. Keolis lost $29.3 million in its first year of operation.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/02/22-mbta-keolis | title=Keolis loses millions of dollars on its MBTA contract | work=[[Trains Magazine]] | date=February 22, 2016 | access-date=February 23, 2016 | archive-date=February 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225120701/http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2016/02/22-mbta-keolis | url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref> In June 2020, the MBTA extended the contract through at least 2025.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/mbta-extends-keolis-through-least-2025/ |title=MBTA extends Keolis contract through at least 2025 |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 15, 2020 |first=Adam |last=Vaccaro |access-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615215710/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/06/15/metro/mbta-extends-keolis-through-least-2025/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Free [[Wi-Fi]] internet service was piloted in January 2008 on the Worcester Line, where 45 coaches were fitted with routers which connected to cellular data networks. This was the first Wi-Fi available on a commuter rail service in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/141940/article.html |title=Wi-Fi trial Connects Massachusetts Train Passengers |newspaper=PC World |last=Cox |first=John |date=January 28, 2008 |access-date=January 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110072753/http://www.pcworld.com/article/141940/article.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The program was considered successful; in December 2008, the MBTA announced that Wi-Fi would be available on all trains by mid-2009.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=16235&month=&year |title=Free Wi-Fi Service Expanded |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=December 19, 2008 }}</ref> In July 2014, the MBTA announced that a private company would be building a new network by 2016 to replace the 2008-built network. The MBTA would not pay for the new network; the company would have a two-tier model with a fee for higher bandwidth.<ref name=newwifi>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/24/mbta-revamp-commuter-rail-wifi-system/U2onDF0uABUiOhUPj0SkqO/story.html |title=MBTA to boost Web service on commuter rail |newspaper=The Boston Globe |last=Thadani |first=Trisha |date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-date=July 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730000113/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/07/24/mbta-revamp-commuter-rail-wifi-system/U2onDF0uABUiOhUPj0SkqO/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442452651&month=&year= |title=New WiFi System for Commuter Rail |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=July 24, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2015 |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203102703/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442452651&month=&year= |url-status=live }}</ref> The MBTA canceled the plan in August 2017 due to local opposition to the erection of 320 [[monopole antenna|monopoles]], each {{convert|70|feet|adj=on}} tall, as well as the need to focus on more critical projects like the [[Green Line Extension]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2017/08/10/mbta-nixes-140m-plan-to-upgrade-wifi-on-commuter.html |title=MBTA nixes $140M plan to upgrade Wi-Fi on commuter rail |newspaper=Boston Business Journal |date=August 10, 2017 |first=Don |last=Seiffert |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126221958/https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2017/08/10/mbta-nixes-140m-plan-to-upgrade-wifi-on-commuter.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By that time, the 2008-built system was largely unusable to the [[3G#Decline and decommissions|decommissioning of 3G networks]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/fmcb-meeting-docs/2017/july/073117-commuter-rail-wifi-project-update.pdf |title=MBTA Wi-Fi Project Update |first=Steve |last=Poftak |date=July 31, 2017 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> [[Mobile ticketing]] was introduced on the northside lines on November 12, 2012, and on the southside lines on November 28.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2012-11-12/mobile-ticketing-now-available-commuter-rail-riders |title=Mobile Ticketing Now Available for Commuter Rail Riders |date=November 12, 2012 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-boston-globe/151823654/ |title=Service delays on subway, commuter rail |newspaper=The Boston Globe |date=November 28, 2012 |page=B14 |first=Sarah N. |last=Mattero |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

[[Positive Train Control]] was implemented on the entire system per a federal mandate, which required installation by the end of 2018 with the possibility of a two-year extension. Construction began in 2017.<ref name=mbtaptc /> The final segment of the system to have [[Positive Train Control]] activated was the inner Worcester Line on August 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-01/2021-01-11-fmcb-17-report-from-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the General Manager |page=36 |date=January 11, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Most of the southside lines already had [[cab signal]]s for [[automatic train control]] (ATC) prior to PTC implementation, but the northside lines did not.<ref name=ptcplan>{{cite web |url=https://www.regulations.gov/document/FRA-2010-0030-0027 |title=MBTA PTC Implementation Plan (PTCIP): Revision 11 |date=May 2017 |page=1{{hyphen}}9 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Cab signals on the southside were completed in 2020.<ref name=mbtaptc>{{cite web |title=Commuter Rail Safety and Resiliency Program |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-safety-and-resiliency-program |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102231439/https://www.mbta.com/projects/commuter-rail-safety-and-resiliency-program |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Temporary bus replacements for several lines took place between 2017 and 2022 during PTC and ATC construction and testing.<ref name=netransit /> PTC implementation, including cab signals on the northside, was completed in January 2025.<ref name=ptc2025 />

*The [[Greenbush Line]] opened in 2007.<ref name=netransit />
*The Riverside-Framingham section was sold to the MBTA in 1976 as part of their larger acquisition of PC commuter assets, but the section past Framingham remained in Conrail control.<ref name=netransit /> In September 2009, Conrail successor [[CSX Transportation]] and the Commonwealth finalized a {{US$|100000000|2009|long=no}} agreement to purchase CSX's Framingham to Worcester tracks, as well as the [[Grand Junction Railroad]] plus lines which will be part of the [[South Coast Rail]] project, to improve service on the Framingham/Worcester Line.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/09/lt-governor-historic-csx-rail-agreement.html |title=Lt. Governor: Historic CSX Rail Agreement |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |work=Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation |date=September 23, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=March 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306202027/http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2009/09/lt-governor-historic-csx-rail-agreement.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After several years of construction and negotiations, ownership of the line was transferred to the commonwealth on October 4, 2012, with increased service on the outer section of the line beginning several weeks later.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=29oct>{{cite news |url=http://www.telegram.com/article/20121004/NEWS/110049827/1116 |title=At CSX freight yard, Murray touts increased train service |newspaper=Worcester Telegram & Gazette |author=Monahan, John J. |date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010233820/http://www.telegram.com/article/20121004/NEWS/110049827/1116 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*As Big Dig mitigation, MBTA rebuilt existing stations and added 4 new stations along the [[Fairmount Line]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=14261 |title=Fairmount Line Improvements |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=December 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130129100850/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=14261 |archive-date=January 29, 2013}}</ref> The first of these, [[Talbot Avenue station|Talbot Avenue]], opened on November 12, 2012, followed by [[Newmarket station (MBTA)|Newmarket]] and [[Four Corners/Geneva station|Four Corners/Geneva]] on July 1, 2013.<ref name=globetalbot>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2012/11/mbta_opens_new_commuter_rail_s.html |title=MBTA opens new commuter rail station at Talbot Avenue in Dorchester on Fairmount Line |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203324/http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2012/11/mbta_opens_new_commuter_rail_s.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Blue Hill Avenue station]] was opened on February 25, 2019, after many delays.
*Service along the [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] was extended further south to [[T. F. Green Airport (MBTA station)|T. F. Green Airport]] in [[Warwick, Rhode Island]] in December 2010 and to [[Wickford Junction (MBTA station)|Wickford Junction]] in [[North Kingston, Rhode Island|North Kingston]] in April 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/dec/06/7/boston-tf-green-rail-service-debuts-ar-316999 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205001015/http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2010/dec/06/7/boston-tf-green-rail-service-debuts-ar-316999  |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=Boston to T.F. Green rail service debuts |newspaper=NBC 10 News |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=August 1, 2011 }}</ref> This represents the first commuter service in Rhode Island south of Providence since 1981.<ref name=netransit />
*In 2013, the [[CapeFLYER]] service began running from [[South Station (Boston)|South Station]] to [[Hyannis (MBTA station)|Hyannis]] on summer weekends – the first direct service from Boston to Cape Cod since 1959. Though officially a Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority service, the CapeFLYER uses MBTA equipment.<ref name=netransit /> 
*A 4-mile extension of the [[Fitchburg Line]] to [[Wachusett (MBTA station)|Wachusett station]] opened on September 30, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Fitchburg.pdf |title=FITCHBURG LINE Schedule effective September 30, 2016 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=September 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160926143419/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Upcoming_Schedules/Commuter_Rail/Fitchburg.pdf |archive-date=September 26, 2016}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
Weekday service was substantially cut on March 17, 2020, due to reduced ridership during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-03-16/mbta-announces-schedule-revisions-take-effect-tuesday-march-17 |title=MBTA Announces Schedule Revisions to Take Effect Tuesday, March 17 |date=March 16, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-06-16 |archive-date=2020-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612103803/https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-03-16/mbta-announces-schedule-revisions-take-effect-tuesday-march-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 22, service was increased to 85% of normal weekday levels.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the Deputy General Manager |date=June 15, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-06-16 |archive-date=2020-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617022958/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Changes effective November 2 reduced peak service and increased off-peak service, providing more consistent midday headways on some lines; Foxboro pilot service was suspended.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |title=Fall 2020 Commuter Rail Schedule Changes |date=September 14, 2020 |first=Rob |last=DiAdamo |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2020-09-14 |archive-date=2020-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020053755/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2020, as part of service cuts during the pandemic, the MBTA proposed to close six low-ridership stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-11-09-fmcb-N-forging-ahead-service-scenarios-accessible.pdf |title=Forging Ahead: Scenario and Service Planning |page=21 |date=November 9, 2020 |first1=Laurel |last1=Paget-Seekins |first2=Kat |last2=Benesh |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-05-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511001406/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020-11-09-fmcb-N-forging-ahead-service-scenarios-accessible.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 14, the MBTA Board voted to enact a more limited set of cuts, including indefinitely closing five stations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/bostonomix/2020/12/14/mbta-control-board-approves-service-cuts |title=MBTA Control Board Votes To Scale Back Bus, Train And Ferry Service |newspaper=WBUR |date=December 14, 2020 |first=Zeninjor |last=Enwemeka |access-date=February 5, 2021 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126175335/https://www.wbur.org/bostonomix/2020/12/14/mbta-control-board-approves-service-cuts |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020-12-14-fmcb-F-forging-ahead-service-proposal.pdf |page=17 |title=Forging Ahead: Service Proposal |date=December 14, 2020 |first1=Laurel |last1=Paget-Seekins |first2=Kat |last2=Benesh |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429044405/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020-12-14-fmcb-F-forging-ahead-service-proposal.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> That day, temporary reduced schedules were again put into place, with four of the five stations ({{bts|Hastings}}, {{bts|Silver Hill}}, {{bts|Prides Crossing}}, and {{bts|Plimptonville}}) not served.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |title=Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14 |date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611015501/https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 23, 2021, reduced schedules based on the December 14 vote went into place, with no weekend service on seven lines.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2021-01-07/commuter-rail-schedule-changes-approved-december-take-effect-january-23 |title=Commuter Rail Schedule Changes Approved in December Take Effect January 23 |date=January 7, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626192645/https://www.mbta.com/news/2021-01-07/commuter-rail-schedule-changes-approved-december-take-effect-january-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Service changes on April 5, 2021, increased midday service on most lines as part of a transition to a [[regional rail]] model.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |title=Reminder: Spring 2021 Commuter Rail Schedules Take Effect April 5 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603210850/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Weekend service on the seven lines resumed on July 3, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-05/2021-05-24-fmcb-10-commuter-rail-performance-update.pdf |title=Commuter Rail Performance Update |page=7 |date=May 24, 2021 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=2021-06-03 |archive-date=2021-05-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524122114/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-05/2021-05-24-fmcb-10-commuter-rail-performance-update.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Ridership dropped substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with daily boardings just 12,800 during the first quarter of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 1, 2021 |title=PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP REPORT First Quarter 2021 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Q1-Ridership-APTA.pdf |website=APTA Ridership Report}}</ref> Ridership rose to 47,100 average weekday boardings in the first quarter of 2022, and 85,000 (69% of 2018 ridership) in October 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION RIDERSHIP REPORT First Quarter 2022 |url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-Q1-Ridership-APTA.pdf |website=APTA Ridership Report}}</ref><ref name=oct2022ridership /> Limited Foxboro service resumed in May 2022; full pilot service began that September.<ref name=may23>{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/mbta-commuter-rail-spring-summer-schedule-to-take-effect-may-23/ |title=MBTA Commuter Rail Spring/Summer Schedule to Take Effect May 23 |date=May 10, 2022 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-08-24/foxboro-weekday-commuter-rail-service-pilot-start-september-12 |title=Foxboro Weekday Commuter Rail Service Pilot to Start September 12 |date=August 24, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> The service was made permanent effective October 2, 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-09-28/foxboro-station-commuter-rail-pilots-success-leads-permanent-weekday-service |title=Foxboro Station, Commuter Rail Pilot's Success Leads to Permanent Weekday Service Beginning October 2 |date=September 28, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

In April 2024, the MBTA extended the Keolis contract by one year to June 30, 2027, at which time a successor contract will take effect.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/3.%20%2BDRAFT%202%20and%20FINAL_CR%20Contract%20Extension_4.25.24%20Board%20Meeting%20v3.pdf |title=Commuter Rail Operating Agreement: Keolis One-Year Extension Option |first=Michael |last=Muller |date=April 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://commonwealthbeacon.org/transportation/mbta-extends-keolis-commuter-rail-contract-again/ |title=MBTA extends Keolis commuter rail contract again |first=Bruce |last=Mohl |date=April 25, 2024 |access-date=April 25, 2024 |newspaper=Commonwealth Beacon}}</ref> Silver Hill station reopened on November 18, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7237/2024-11-18-cr-fall-winter-fitchburg-line-schedule.pdf |title=Fitchburg Line Fall/Winter Schedule |date=November 18, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In December 2024, the MBTA indicated that the next contract may be split into separate contracts for train maintenance, infrastructure maintenance, operations, and dispatching.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-12/8.%20Final_%20Regional%20Rail%20RFI%20Update_MM.pdf |title=Regional Rail RFI Update |date=December 19, 2024 |first=Mike |last=Muller |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>

The [[South Coast Rail]] project extended service to the South Coast cities of [[Taunton, Massachusetts|Taunton]], [[Fall River, Massachusetts|Fall River]], and [[New Bedford, Massachusetts|New Bedford]]. A full planning process was held from 1990 until its suspension in 2002. Planning restarted in 2007, with environmental documentation completed in August 2013. Plans were modified into two phases in 2017 due to an increase in costs.<ref name="sharp">{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/16/sharp-differences-over-latest-plan-for-south-coast-rail/Vlmt4rC3DXy8Wo5gIJWLYI/story.html |title=Sharp differences over latest plan for South Coast Rail |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 16, 2017 |first=John |last=Laidler |access-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-date=June 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618072057/http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/16/sharp-differences-over-latest-plan-for-south-coast-rail/Vlmt4rC3DXy8Wo5gIJWLYI/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Phase I construction to run diesel service as an extension of the [[Middleborough/Lakeville Line]] via the [[Middleboro Secondary]] took place from 2020 to 2024.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2024/06/13/mbta-ceo-south-coast-rail-delayed-to-may-2025-fare-unveiled/74092923007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614021705/https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2024/06/13/mbta-ceo-south-coast-rail-delayed-to-may-2025-fare-unveiled/74092923007/ |archive-date=June 14, 2024 |title='MBTA owes this region an apology': South Coast Rail start is delayed another year |first=Dan |last=Medeiros |newspaper=The Herald News |date=June 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-06-14/mbta-general-manager-provides-update-progress-south-coast-rail-project-milestone |title=MBTA General Manager Provides Update on Progress of South Coast Rail Project, Milestone Reached with New Testing Phase |date=June 14, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Service began on March 24, 2025.