Editing MBTA Commuter Rail (section)

== Capital projects ==
The following improvement projects are actively being pursued by the MBTA and are at various stages of construction, planning, or funding.

=== Regional Rail Modernization Program ===
[[File:Providence Line train approaching Canton Junction, April 2016.JPG|thumb|right|A diesel MBTA train on the electrified Northeast Corridor]]
The MBTA plans to convert the system from diesel-powered [[commuter rail]] – which is primarily designed for Boston-centric trips at peak hours – to an [[Railway electrification|electric]] [[regional rail]] system with frequent all-day service. A previous attempt at regional rail was made in 2012–2015 with a procurement for [[diesel multiple unit]]s for a new [[hybrid rail]] service labeled the [[Indigo Line]], which proposed increased service on the Fairmount Line, new [[Track 61 (Boston)|Track 61]] service, and several other suburban lines within the [[Greater Boston]] periphery.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/09/05/state-begin-innovative-rail-service-between-seaport-district-and-back-bay/oHUinYj30lzOV6KNCQUMEJ/story.html |title=State to begin innovative rail service between Seaport District and Back Bay |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Leung, Shirley |date=September 6, 2013 |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-date=February 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221043451/https://www0.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/09/05/state-begin-innovative-rail-service-between-seaport-district-and-back-bay/oHUinYj30lzOV6KNCQUMEJ/story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The DMU procurement as well as the Indigo Line proposal was canceled in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150727155548/http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/06/charlie_baker_derails_t_trains |title=Charlie Baker derails T trains |archive-date=July 27, 2015 |newspaper=Boston Herald |last=Stout |first=Matt |date=June 20, 2015}}</ref>

Between 2018 and 2019, the MBTA conducted an internal study of regional rail alternatives known as Rail Vision.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rail Vision {{!}} Projects {{!}} MBTA |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/rail-vision |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.mbta.com}}</ref> The study assessed domestic and international peer rail systems that the MBTA could model electric service from, as well as outlined service alternatives on a line-by-line basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2018 |title=Peer Systems Review For Domestic and International Peer Systems |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2018-11/2018-11-09-railvision-peer-systems-review-accessible.pdf |website=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2019 |title=Alternative 6 |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2019-10/rail-vision-alternative6-oct2019-accessible.pdf |website=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2020 |title=MBTA Rail Vision Final Report |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-07/2020-02-rail-vision-report.pdf |website=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-21 |title=MBTA 'Rail Vision' Comes Into Focus - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2019/10/21/mbta-rail-vision-comes-into-focus |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref> The first phase of this transformation focused on electrifying the Providence Line, the Fairmount Line, and the Rockport Line through [[Chelsea, Massachusetts|Chelsea]], [[Revere, Massachusetts|Revere]], and [[Lynn, Massachusetts|Lynn]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeCosta-Klipa |first=Nik |title=The MBTA is backing a long-term plan for the commuter rail. Here's where they want to start. |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2019/11/04/mbta-commuter-rail-plan/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-04 |title=MBTA Board Commits To Reimagined Commuter Rail System |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2019/11/04/mbta-regional-rail-electric-trains |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burroughs |first=David |date=2019-11-05 |title=MBTA commits to major commuter rail upgrades |url=https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/commuter-rail/mbta-commits-to-major-commuter-rail-upgrades/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en-GB}}</ref> Later in 2019, the MBTA contracted Network Rail Consulting, the international consulting arm of [[Network Rail]], to assist with regional rail planning.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Network Rail Consulting Wins Boston MBTA Contract |url=https://www.networkrailconsulting.com/news-and-publications-2/news/network-rail-consulting-wins-boston-mbta-contract/ |publisher=Network Rail Consulting |date=September 10, 2019}}</ref>

Despite approval by the FMCB, planning for regional rail largely stagnated into the early 2020s, with only noncommittal plans for several electrification pilots.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Take the E-train? MBTA mulling electric locomotives |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/03/21/take-train-mbta-mulling-electric-locomotives/kWekh87ZPI7IKKr3EjmIUJ/story.html |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sawers |first=Alistair |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: EMU Pilot and Phase 1 Planning Update |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/2021-04-12-fmcb-J-regional-rail-update.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412182317/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/2021-04-12-fmcb-J-regional-rail-update.pdf |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> By mid-2022, lawmakers and environmental advocacy groups had criticized recent MBTA proposals for not adhering to previously set rail initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bruce Mohl |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Keeping score on MBTA control board's priorities |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/keeping-score-on-mbta-control-boards-priorities/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408043309/https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/keeping-score-on-mbta-control-boards-priorities/ |archive-date=April 8, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |newspaper=CommonWealth}}</ref> Several preliminary projects, including planning for a new layover facility – but not actual electrification – were scheduled for fiscal years 2023 to 2027.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 2022 |title=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY23-27 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Proposed |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022-03-24-proposed-fy23-27-mbta-cip-2.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=46, 68, 96, 111}}</ref> Early-action regional rail projects including designs for power systems, substations, signal upgrades, and track improvements along with the procurement of 25 EMUs are planned for fiscal years 2025 to 2029.<ref name="draft2529cip" /> In June 2022, the MBTA indicated plans to purchase [[battery electric multiple unit]]s, with catenary for charging on part of the network. This was intended to reduce the amount of catenary installation required, avoid reconstructions of overhead bridges, and avoid poor existing power grids on some branch lines. The assessment called for electric service on the Providence/Stoughton Line and Fairmount Line by 2028–29, followed by the Newburyport/Rockport Line in 2031; all lines would be electrified by 2050.<ref name="june2022electric">{{cite web |url=https://mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/10.%20Rail%20Transformation%20Technology%20Board%20Update%20v2.pdf |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: Traction Power Planning for Regional and Urban Rail Services |first=Alistar |last=Sawers |date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2022 |title=Millions For Worcester Transportation Upgrades In State Bond Bill |url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/millions-worcester-transportation-upgrades-state-bond-bill |access-date=August 12, 2022 |newspaper=Worcester, MA Patch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Could the New Governor Breathe New Life Into the T's Regional Rail Plans? |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2022/11/29/could-the-new-governor-breathe-new-life-into-the-ts-regional-rail-plans/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=StreetsblogMASS |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mohl |first=Bruce |date=June 23, 2022 |title=MBTA outlines hybrid approach on rail electrification |url=https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/mbta-outlines-hybrid-approach-on-rail-electrification/ |access-date=November 30, 2022 |website=CommonWealth Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In December 2023, [[Keolis]] solicited a proposal to procure BEMUs and implement 20-minute headways on the Fairmount Line by 2027 as leverage for contract renewal; the MBTA issued a [[Due diligence|notice of due diligence]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/mbta-plan-would-introduce-battery-electric-equipment-on-one-commuter-rail-route/ |title=MBTA plan would introduce battery-electric equipment on one commuter rail route |first=David |last=Lassen |date=March 17, 2024 |newspaper=Trains News Wire |access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref><ref name="draft2529cip">{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04-25-fy25-29-mbta-proposed-cip-project-list-accessible.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |title=Proposed FY25-29 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Project List |date=April 25, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_rfp/details/RFI-63-24-for-the-Regional-Rail-Future-Innovative-Operating-Contract--71524 |title=Rail RFP: (RFI) #63-24 for the Regional Rail Future Innovative Operating Contract |publisher=Progressive Railroading |date=March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325072409/https://www.progressiverailroading.com/rail_rfp/details/RFI-63-24-for-the-Regional-Rail-Future-Innovative-Operating-Contract--71524 |archive-date=March 25, 2024}}</ref> The MBTA board approved the $54 million Fairmount Line proposal from Keolis in July 2024, with the new equipment to enter service in early 2028. Keolis will construct a light maintenance facility for BEMUs as part of the contract.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-25/mbta-board-approves-keolis-plan-introduce-battery-electric-trains-fairmount |date=July 25, 2024 |title=MBTA Board Approves Keolis Plan to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/fairmount-line-keolis-decarbonization-proposal-update-3-7-25-2024.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Decarbonized Service |date=July 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-14 |title=The T's New Electric Fairmount Line Trains Could Run On Other Lines, Too - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/08/13/the-ts-new-electric-fairmount-line-trains-could-run-on-other-lines-too |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Of BPR 9/09: Ask The MBTA's Phillip Eng |url=https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/boston-public-radio/best-of-bpr-9-09-ask-the-mbtas-phillip-eng |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=GBH |language=en}}</ref> By the mid-2020s, the MBTA had adapted short-term plans for regional rail to instead optimize diesel-hauled operations for increased services on select corridors, with electrification being implemented later after 2030 (with the exception of the Fairmount Line). Initial steps were taken previously in fall 2020 when some peak service was moved to midday, and in April 2021 when 9 of the 15 lines were moved to [[clock-face scheduling]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-25 |title=MBTA Regional Rail Schedule Changes Add More Service on Worcester, Fairmount Lines - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/04/25/mbta-regional-rail-schedule-changes-add-more-service-on-worcester-fairmount-lines |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>Sawers, Alistair (February 4, 2025). [https://web.archive.org/web/20250208054557/https://www.readingrecap.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MBTA-Turnback-SB.pdf "Reading to Boston 30 min Service Frequency"] (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 8, 2025.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-09 |title=Worcester Line Trains Will Get Shorter – But Also More Frequent - Streetsblog Massachusetts |url=https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/12/09/worcester-line-trains-will-get-shorter-but-also-more-frequent |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=mass.streetsblog.org |language=en}}</ref>

=== Station renovations ===
[[File:Outbound train passing Natick Center station construction (2), March 2022.JPG|thumb|right|Reconstruction of Natick Center station in 2022]]
Several station renovations for [[accessibility]], expanded service, and/or repairs are under construction or planned:
*[[Natick Center station]] is being rebuilt for accessibility, with completion expected in May 2025.<ref name="SWADec2024">{{cite web |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Accessibility Initiatives—December 2024 |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-12/2024-12-06-accessibility-initiatives.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>
*[[Winchester Center station]] is being rebuilt for accessibility. The station was temporarily closed in January 2021 due to structural deterioration; the rebuilt station partially opened on October 1, 2024, with the remaining portion to open in July 2025.<ref>{{cite press release |title=MBTA Announces Partial Opening of Winchester Center Station |date=September 17, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-09-17/mbta-announces-partial-opening-winchester-center-station}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 30, 2024 |title=Lowell Line Alerts |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Lowell/alerts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240930234956/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Lowell/alerts |archive-date=September 30, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name="SWADec2024" />
*A new [[island platform]] at [[Worcester Union Station]] was opened on July 1, 2024, with the project expected to be fully complete in August 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2024 |title=MBTA Celebrates Opening of Worcester Union Station Center Platform |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-09/mbta-celebrates-opening-worcester-union-station-center-platform |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name="SWADec2024" />
*Design work for reconstruction of [[South Attleboro station]] for accessibility was completed in April 2022, though construction work has not been funded. The station was temporarily closed on February 26, 2021, due to structural deterioration; limited service resumed on May 20, 2024.<ref name="swanov2023">{{cite web |date=November 27, 2023 |title=System-Wide Accessibility Initiatives—November 2023 |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2023-11/2023-11-27-accessibility-initiatives.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Department of System-Wide Accessibility |pages=6–8}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Coholan |first=Ryan |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Spring 2024 Transportation Schedule Changes |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/11.%20Draft%202_Spring%202024%20Schedule%20Changes_Board%20Meeting%20Slides_April%202024%20v1.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Messier |first=Paige |date=April 25, 2024 |title=MBTA reopening South Attleboro train station |url=https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/se-mass/mbta-reopening-south-attleboro-train-station/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426045800/https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/se-mass/mbta-reopening-south-attleboro-train-station/ |archive-date=April 26, 2024}}</ref>
*Reconstruction of {{bts|North Wilmington}} for accessibility began in 2024 and is expected to be complete in early 2025.<ref name="SWADec2024" />
*Reconstruction of {{bts|Lynn}} is planned. The station was temporarily closed in October 2022 due to structural deterioration; interim platforms opened in December 2023.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Commuter Rail Service Returns to Lynn on Monday, December 18 |date=December 15, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-12-15/commuter-rail-service-returns-lynn-monday-december-18}}</ref>
*Reconstruction of {{bts|Auburndale}}, {{bts|West Newton}}, and {{bts|Newtonville}} for accessibility and increased capacity are planned.<ref name="swanov2023" /> In November 2024, the state committed to the reconstruction of Newtonville station.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Healey-Driscoll Administration, MBTA, Congressman Auchincloss, Mayor Fuller Celebrate Commitment to Rebuild Newtonville Station |date=November 25, 2024 |publisher=Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-mbta-congressman-auchincloss-mayor-fuller-celebrate-commitment-to-rebuild-newtonville-station}}</ref>
*In 2024, the MBTA tested a temporary freestanding accessible platform design at [[Beverly Depot]]. These platforms do not require alterations to the existing platforms, thus skirting federal rules requiring full accessibility renovations when stations are modified, and were intended to provide interim accessibility at lower cost pending full reconstruction.<ref name="may2024">{{cite web |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Accelerating Accessibility within the Commuter Rail: Freestanding Mini-high Platform Initiative |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-05/13.%20DRAFT%20Board%20Presentation_Freestanding%20Mini%20High%20Platform%20Initiative_5.10.24.pdf |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Construction of interim platforms at four stations began in 2024.<ref name="SWADec2024" /> The platforms at {{bts|Wellesley Square}} opened on February 17, 2025, followed by {{bts|West Medford}} on March 10, {{bts|Franklin/Dean College}} on March 17, and {{bts|Walpole}} on March 31.<ref>{{cite press release |title=MBTA Wellesley Square Station to Open as Wellesley's First Commuter Rail Stop with Accessible Platforms on February 17 |date=February 14, 2025 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2025-02-14/mbta-wellesley-square-station-open-wellesleys-first-commuter-rail-stop-accessible}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2025-03-06/mbta-completes-accessibility-upgrades-west-medford-franklin-and-walpole-stations |title=MBTA Completes Accessibility Upgrades at West Medford, Franklin, and Walpole Stations |date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Eight more stations are planned to receive the platforms; the second group will be {{bts|Concord}}, {{bts|Endicott}}, {{bts|Lincoln}}, {{bts|Wakefield}}, and {{bts|Wyoming Hill}}.<ref name="SWADec2024" />