BOSTON — Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said this week that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority may extend its contract with Keolis Commuter Services for two years, a reversal of her previous position regarding the contract operator of MBTA commuter trains.
CommonWealth Magazine reports that, because of a number of proposals that would dramatically reshape MBTA commuter service — concepts ranging from significant increases in off-peak service to system electrification, with price tags ranging from $1.7 billion to $28.9 billion — it may not be possible to redefine the terms for a new operating contract before the current agreement with Keolis expires in 2022.
Until the new plans can be completed, Pollack told the magazine, “We might have to look at exercising one of the extensions that is built into the contract.”
Pollack had said in 2017 she did not want to renew the contract because of concerns about Keolis’ performance and the desire for a fresh start.
