Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Massachusetts railcar manufacturing return: Next stop, China

As Massachusetts officials celebrated the “topping off” ceremony of a $95 million new railcar manufacturing plant in Springfield, Mass., last week, the factory’s owner—China’s CCRC—explained hiring plans: production workers will be hired in October, and sent to China for advance training by February.

Mass DOT invites public for State Rail Plan presentation

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is undertaking an update to the 2010 State Rail Plan to document the current state of the rail system, identify planned improvements and outline the Commonwealth’s 20-year plan for the statewide rail system.

No hovering on MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority announced that effective immediately, hoverboards are prohibited on all MBTA property, including stations, buses, subways, commuter rail and commuter boats.

Bullet to the Heart

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority on May 23, 2016 will inaugurate a new nonstop regional/commuter rail service between Worcester and Boston.

MBTA targeting energy costs in FY 2017

Continuing efforts begun in 2012 with the purchase of a wind turbine generator at the Kingston rail layover facility, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority projects a further reduction of energy costs in the coming fiscal year, thanks in part to renewable energy efforts.

Keolis proposes system to reduce MBTA fare evasion

At the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board meeting, which took place on April 25, 2016, Keolis presented a new proposal for fare collection that would dramatically reduce fare evasion on the MBTA Commuter Rail system while increasing revenue by up to $24 million annually. Under the Keolis proposal, the MBTA fare collection system would be updated to make it easier to buy tickets, but more difficult to evade fares.

MBTA selects developer for Red Line mixed-use project in Quincy

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board voted unanimously on April 4, 2016 to approve lease rights to Bozzuto Development and Atlantic Development so the firms may design and build a mixed-use project on MBTA land at the North Quincy Red Line Station.