Editing MBTA Commuter Rail (section)

== History ==
===Early history===
[[File:Train and stagecoach at West Newton, circa 1834.jpg|thumb|left|A train at West Newton on the B&W in 1834]]
Eight intercity mainlines radiating from Boston opened between 1834 and 1855: the [[Boston and Worcester Railroad]] (B&W) in 1834–35, [[Boston and Providence Railroad]] (B&P) in 1834–35, [[Boston and Lowell Railroad]] (B&L) in 1835, [[Eastern Railroad]] in 1838–1840, [[Fitchburg Railroad]] in 1843–45, [[Boston and Maine Railroad]] (B&M) in 1845, [[Old Colony Railroad]] and [[Fall River Railroad (1846)|Fall River Railroad]] in 1845–46, and [[Norfolk County Railroad]] in 1849–55. [[Commuter rail]] service allowing suburban residents to work in Boston began with the B&W in 1834; by the 1860s, commuting was possible on the eight mainlines and a number of branch lines.<ref name=150years />{{rp|8}} Mergers prior to the 1880s were primarily acquisitions of branch lines and consolidations with connecting lines: the B&A merged with the Western Railroad in 1874 to become the [[Boston and Albany Railroad]] (B&A), the Fall River Railroad and several other lines merged into the Old Colony Railroad, and the Norfolk County Railroad eventually became part of the [[New York and New England Railroad]] (NY&NE). The narrow gauge [[Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad]] (BRB&L) opened in 1875, competing with the inner portion of the Eastern Railroad. Unlike the other lines, it never built rails into downtown Boston, and instead relied on a ferry connection from [[East Boston]].<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|12}}

The B&M obtained control of the Eastern in 1883, the B&L in 1887, and the Fitchburg in 1900, giving it a near-monopoly on rail service north of Boston. [[North Union Station]] was built in 1893 to provide a [[union station]] for northside service; it was replaced by [[North Station]] in 1928. The Old Colony obtained control of the B&P in 1888; the [[New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad]] acquired the Old Colony in 1893 to obtain access to Boston. The New Haven also acquired the New England Railroad (successor to the NY&NE) in 1898. [[South Station]] opened in 1899 as a union station for the southside lines (New Haven and B&A). The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad – which later became the New York Central) (NYC) – leased the B&A in 1900; this brought all Boston commuter service save the BRB&L under the control of three large multi-state railroads.<ref name=150years />{{rp|9}}
{{Annotated image
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The three railroads all planned electrification of some suburban lines in the early 20th century. The New Haven tested electrification on small parts of the Old Colony system, but never followed through on its plans to electrify South Station and the inner section of the ex-B&P.<ref name=secondsection>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: Second Section |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-938315-02-5 }}</ref>{{rp|4}} Despite a study to electrify the mainline to {{bts|Framingham}} plus the [[Highland branch]], the NYC only electrified the short Lower Falls Branch. Quadruple-tracking and electrification of part of the ex-Eastern Railroad was planned by the B&M around 1910 when it was briefly under control of the New Haven, but this fell through when they separated.<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|4}} Service levels on the three major railroads peaked around 1910 and began to decline from streetcar and later auto competition in the 1910s.<ref name=150years />{{rp|11}} The independent BRB&L electrified its mainline and single branch line in 1928 and increased service to near-[[rapid transit]] levels. Two Old Colony branches were converted to an extension of [[Boston Elevated Railway]] (BERy) rapid transit in the 1920s.<ref name=secondsection />{{rp|5}}

Service levels declined more significantly during the 1930s; the [[88 stations case]] resulted in the New Haven closing dozens of suburban stations and several lines in 1938. The BRB&L ceased all operations in 1940. Ridership increased during World War II but decreased soon afterwards, prompting further cuts. The railroads converted from steam to diesel in the 1950s. All three purchased substantial fleets of [[Budd Rail Diesel Car]]s, which lowered operating costs – but not enough to save most branch lines.<ref name=150years />{{rp|13}} A 1945–47 state report proposed suburban extensions of the rapid transit system, largely using railroad rights-of-way, with the expectation that most commuter rail service would be cut back to the rapid transit terminals or abandoned entirely. Prompted by the report, part of the BRB&L was reactivated as rapid transit in 1952–54 by BERy successor Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), and the Highland branch was converted to a [[Green Line D branch|rapid streetcar line]] in 1958–59.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=secondsection />{{rp|5}}

=== Consolidation under MBTA control ===
The three railroads all made major cuts to suburban service in 1958–1960 as commuters began using new expressways. The B&M became unprofitable in 1958 and moved to shed its money-losing passenger operations.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}} Four branch lines were cut that May, and most stations in the MTA service area were closed; three more branches closed in 1959.<ref name=150years>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1985 |isbn=978-0-685-41294-7}}</ref> The New Haven experimentally increased Old Colony Division service for several years in the 1950s, but new management soon sought to reduce costs.<ref name=150years />{{rp|13}} Service to {{bts|Fall River}} and {{bts|New Bedford}} was cut in 1958; a one-year state subsidy was given for the remaining Old Colony service, which ended in 1959 after the [[Interstate 93|Southeast Expressway]] opened.<ref name=150years />{{rp|14}} The inner portion of the B&A was reduced from four to two tracks in 1959 for construction of the [[Massachusetts Turnpike]], with several inner stations closed; all local stops west of Framingham were closed in 1960.<ref name=150years />{{rp|24}} The New Haven filed for bankruptcy for the last time in 1961. Faced with the imminent threat of losing what service remained, public opinion began to support subsidies for commuter rail.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}}

The state Mass Transportation Commission (MTC), formed in 1959 to coordinate transportation and land use, held a series of experiments to determine how fares and service levels affected ridership. This included a trial on the MTA bus network, as well as a $4 million test from January 1963 to March 1964 on New Haven and B&M lines. (The NYC, uninterested in its commuter service, declined to participate.) The MTC found that higher frequency was most important to attract additional ridership; lower fares would attract additional riders, while even higher fares would not result in the services becoming profitable. At the recommendation of the MTC, the [[Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority]] (MBTA) was created on August 3, 1964, with a 78-municipality funding and service district. The MBTA was to build rapid transit extensions (as planned in 1947) along some lines, with the others to be subsidized or allowed to be discontinued. Most remaining lines ran to points outside the funding district; those outlying municipalities were expected to reach their own subsidy agreements with the railroads.<ref name=150years />{{rp|15}}
[[File:Boston & Maine 6124 RDC entering Lowell, MA station on April 27, 1969.jpg|thumb|left|B&M train at Lowell in 1969]]
On December 14, 1964, the MBTA reached a subsidy agreement with the B&M. The agreement only covered in-district services; on January 5, 1965, the B&M discontinued interstate service except for single commuter round trips from [[Dover, New Hampshire|Dover]] and [[Concord, New Hampshire]]; Portsmouth service was cut back to a single {{bts|Newburyport}} round trip. Subsidies began for six lines on January 18; all out-of-district service to {{bts|Fitchburg}}, {{bts|Lowell}}, {{bts|Haverhill}}, {{bts|Ipswich}}, and {{bts|Rockport}} was discontinued except for three single round trips.<ref name=netransit /> Agreements were reached to restore most out-of-district service; after delays due to a lawsuit by the competing [[Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway]], full service returned to {{bts|Ayer}}, Lowell, Ipswich, and Rockport on June 28.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=secondsection />{{rp|10}} On June 30, 1967, the B&M discontinued the Concord trip; the Dover trip was cut back to Haverhill with local subsidies.<ref name=netransit /> In 1969, the B&M averaged 24,000 weekday passengers, with a yearly deficit of $3.2 million (equivalent to {{inflation|US|3.2|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}).<ref>{{Dorin-Commuter|p=13}}</ref> The single daily trip on the [[Central Massachusetts Railroad#MBTACentralMassBranch|Central Mass Branch]] ended on January 26, 1971.<ref name=netransit>{{NETransit}}</ref>
[[File:New Haven RDC at Franklin, September 1968.jpg|thumb|right|New Haven train at [[Franklin/Dean College station|Franklin]] in 1968]]
On July 28, 1965, the MBTA signed an agreement with the New Haven Railroad to purchase {{convert|11|miles}} of the former Old Colony mainline from [[Fort Point Channel]] to South Braintree in order to construct a new rapid transit line along the corridor. The line was expected to be completed within two years. The agreement also provided for the MBTA to subsidize commuter service on the railroad's remaining commuter rail lines for $1.2 million (equivalent to {{inflation|US|1.2|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}) annually.<ref name=netransit /><ref>{{cite news |title=MBTA Buys Old Colony Line For a South Shore Express |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 29, 1965 |first=Robert |last=Carr |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38297699/the-boston-globe/ |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Subsidies for the [[Needham Line|Needham]], [[Millis Branch|Millis]], [[Dedham Branch|Dedham]], and [[Franklin/Foxboro Line|Franklin]] lines began on April 24, 1966, as the New Haven had [[Interstate Commerce Commission]] (ICC) permission to discontinue them otherwise. Three out-of-district stations were cut, while [[Franklin, Massachusetts|Franklin]] subsidized its station. The Millis and Dedham lines were discontinued on April 21, 1967.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} The NYC and the [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] merged to form [[Penn Central]] on February 1, 1968; the New Haven joined at the end of the year. Penn Central declared bankruptcy in 1970.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=drury>{{cite book | last = Drury | first = George H. | title = The Historical Guide to North American Railroads: Histories, Figures, and Features of more than 160 Railroads Abandoned or Merged since 1930 | publisher = [[Kalmbach Publishing]] | year = 1994 | location = [[Waukesha, Wisconsin]] | pages = 222–229, 248 | isbn = 0-89024-072-8}}</ref> [[Amtrak]] took over most intercity passenger service in the US on May 1, 1971, including New York–Boston trains.<ref name=netransit />

The state agreed in December 1971 to purchase {{convert|145|miles}} of Penn Central rights of way to prevent them being sold off in bankruptcy. The MBTA purchased the lines effective January 27, 1973. They included almost all the lines with passenger service: the [[Providence/Stoughton Line|Attleboro Line and Stoughton Branch]], [[Franklin/Foxboro Line|Franklin Branch]], [[Needham Line|Needham Branch]], and the {{bts|Riverside}}–Framingham portion of the Worcester Main Line. (The inner section of that line was already owned by the [[Massachusetts Turnpike Authority]].) The purchase also included several freight-only or abandoned lines, including the Old Colony mainline between Braintree and Brockton.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} Subsidies began for the [[Framingham/Worcester Line|Framingham Line]] in January 1973, for {{bts|Canton Junction}} and {{bts|Sharon}} stations in June 1973, and all [[Providence/Stoughton Line]] service on September 28, 1976.<ref name=netransit /> The MBTA purchased the B&M Western Route between [[Somerville, Massachusetts|Somerville]] and Wilmington Junction in September 1973 for construction of the [[Haymarket North Extension]].

From 1967 to 1973, a series of state appropriations covered 90–100% of outside-of-district subsidy. This was reduced to 50% in January 1974, substantially increasing the cost of these municipalities.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} This resulted in several cuts as municipalities refused the higher subsidies: Ayer service was cut to {{bts|South Acton}} on March 1, 1975; the single Newburyport trip ended on April 1, 1976; and the single Haverhill trip ended on April 2, 1976 (North Andover and Andover having previously ended subsidies.) The single round trip to {{bts|Worcester}}, never subsidized, was cut to Framingham on October 27, 1975.<ref name=netransit /> Amtrak began running the ''[[Lake Shore Limited]]'' over that route four days later, restoring rail service to Worcester.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Amtrak in the Heartland |last=Sanders |first=Craig |date=2006 |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |isbn=0-253-34705-X |location=Bloomington, Indiana |pages=19–21}}</ref> State subsidies were increased back to 75% in June 1976 to prevent further cuts.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}}

=== Combined operations ===
[[File:1974 MBTA commuter rail diagram.png|thumb|left|1974 map showing a unified commuter rail system with new purple coloring]]
Rapid transit extension was slower than expected; by 1971, the only extension in service was the first portion of the [[Red Line (MBTA)|Red Line]] Braintree Branch on the Old Colony mainline.<ref name=netransit /> In 1972, as part of a funding shift from highways to transit, Governor [[Francis Sargent]] initiated a Commuter Rail Improvement Program.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} On October 8, 1974, the MBTA began using purple to represent the commuter rail system, as had been done in 1965 with the rapid transit lines. MBTA maps began showing the B&M and Penn Central lines as a single system.<ref name=netransit /> Penn Central became [[Conrail]] on April 1, 1976; the MBTA purchased most of their commuter rolling stock at that time.<ref name=netransit /> After delays due to the B&M bankruptcy, the MBTA purchased the B&M commuter equipment, [[MBTA Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility|maintenance facility]], and {{convert|250|miles}} of right of way on December 27, 1976. This included all lines with passenger service, as well as a number of freight-only or abandoned lines. This also marked the start of a five-year contract for the B&M to operate the service, replacing a series of one-year contracts.<ref name=netransit /><ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} After acquiring the B&M and Penn Central rolling stock, the MBTA painted it with purple, yellow, silver, and black to create a visual identity.<ref name=guilford>{{cite book |title=Guilford: Five Years of Change |first=Scott |last=Hartley |publisher=Railpace Company |isbn=0-9621541-1-3 |year=1989 |pages=6, 12, 13, 89–91}}</ref>

Federal subsidies allowed MBTA subsidies to Penn Central to remain the same until March 1977, when a large increase was expected. Since it owned the tracks and equipment, the MBTA bid out the operating contract, which was won by the B&M.  The B&M began operating the southside lines on March 15, 1977; for the first time, all Boston commuter service was operated by one entity.<ref name=150years />{{rp|16}} Although all operation was subsidized by this time, a small number of cuts took place. The lightly used [[Lexington Branch]] closed after a snowstorm on January 10, 1977. Declining subsidies from Rhode Island resulted in off-peak {{bts|Providence}} service being cut back to {{bts|Attleboro}} in April 1979, with peak service cut on February 20, 1981. [[Woburn Branch Railroad|Woburn Branch]] service ended on January 30, 1981, amid state budget cuts.<ref name=netransit />

However, the energy crises of the 1970s and the formation of regional transit authorities prompted some expansions and improvements. $70 million in reconstruction work (equivalent to {{inflation|US|70|1969}} million in {{Inflation/year|US}}) on the Franklin Line and several northside lines, partially funded by the [[Urban Mass Transportation Administration]], began in 1977 under the Commuter Rail Improvement Program.<ref name=150years /><ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/annualreportmass1977mass |title=1977 Annual Report |page=[https://archive.org/details/annualreportmass1977mass/page/15 15] |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Internet Archive |year=1977}}</ref> Service to Haverhill resumed on December 17, 1979, and to {{bts|Fitchburg}} and {{bts|Gardner}} on January 13, 1980. Federally-funded experimental service to [[Nashua, New Hampshire|Nashua]], [[Manchester, New Hampshire|Manchester]], and Concord, New Hampshire ran from January 28, 1980, to March 1, 1981.<ref name=netransit /> Little-used stations continued to be closed until the 1980s, but several [[infill station]]s were opened, including {{bts|Shirley}} in 1981, {{bts|West Natick}} in 1982, {{bts|Mishawum}} in 1984, and {{bts|Chelsea}} in 1985.<ref name=netransit /> The MBTA also began replacing the aging Rail Diesel Cars and other equipment; 18 [[EMD F40PH]] diesel locomotives and 60 passenger cars arrived between 1978 and 1980.<ref name=roster />
[[File:Franklin Line train at Norwood Central station 1980 postcard.jpg|thumb|right|A train of new equipment on the recently upgraded Franklin Line in 1980]]
Several major disruptions occurred in the mid-1980s. On January 20, 1984, a fire destroyed the wooden approach trestles to the [[Charles River Bridge (Commuter Rail)|North Station drawbridges]]. The four northside lines used temporary terminals with rapid transit connections while the trestles were rebuilt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438459/the-boston-globe/ |title=What's in store for B&M riders |first=Paul |last=Langner |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=January 23, 1984 |pages=17, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438477/the-boston-globe/ 18] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Another bridge fire between Beverly and Salem on November 16, 1984, isolated part of the [[Newburyport/Rockport Line|Ipswich/Rockport Line]] from the rest of the system.<ref name=netransit /> Service to North Station resumed on April 20, 1985; service to Ipswich and Rockport resumed on December 1, 1985.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438265/the-boston-globe/ |title=T rail service resumes at North Station |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=April 21, 1985 |first=Douglas S. |last=Crocket |pages=29, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97438275/the-boston-globe/ 30] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name=netransit />

[[Guilford Transportation Industries]] purchased the B&M in 1983. This did not initially affect commuter rail operations.<ref name=guilford /> Guilford's attempts to regain profitability, which included reducing employee headcount and pay, soon soured labor relations. This resulted in two strikes by Guilford employees; the first shut down the commuter rail system from March 21 to May 12, 1986. Local media was critical of Guilford during the strike; the company did not bid for a renewal of the commuter rail operating contract, which expired at the end of 1986.<ref name=guilford /> Amtrak won the contract for commuter rail operations and took over the system on January 1, 1987. Gardner service was cut back to Fitchburg at that time due to a dispute between Amtrak, Guilford, and the MBTA.<ref name=netransit />

=== 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.