Boston’s commuter rail system is outdated and needs an overhaul, according to advocacy report

Boston, Mass. has the second-worst commuter traffic congestion in the nation, according to the analytics firm Inrix. It’s only getting worse, given the region’s outdated and failing commuter rail system, locally known as the T. And while addressing the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s failing transit system is an immediate crisis, it’s also an opportunity to advance the city into the future by replacing outdated rail cars and rethinking operation models, according to a new brief from the Boston-based advocacy group TransitMatters.

“The transformation of our commuter rail network is still just as pressing as ever,” said Jarred Johnson, TransitMatters’ executive director in a statement. “If we want to spur the needed housing development, tackle congestion, and significantly cut transportation emissions through mode shift, making regional rail a reality is a must.”

According to the report, the current crisis is severely impacting both Boston and adjacent gateway cities, restricting longterm growth. “Nearly half of the commuter rail’s locomotives will reach the end of their useful life by 2030,” reads the report, which calls on Massachusetts’ state legislature, Department of Transportation, the MBTA and Gov. Maura Healey to “make tangible progress on transforming the current Commuter Rail network to a modern, efficient regional rail operating model, providing cleaner, more reliable frequent rail service all day, every day.”

The MBTA came under scrutiny last year from both advocacy and federal organizations. Prompted by a failed inspection in September, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration issued a report calling on the Bay State transportation agency to better manage operations, prioritize maintenance, improve safety and communication, and update procedures. Given the need failing system and a widening projected budget shortfall, the state has reached a juncture of “critical opportunity,” and must evolve its commuter rail. With the convergence of newly approved carbon emission reduction goals, multifamily housing rezoning plans, and the availability of federal investment via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, there is opportunity, TransitMatters’ report argues.

In contrast to high performance electric trains, MBTA’s currently operating “diesel locomotives are expensive to maintain and produce black carbon emissions that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and threaten public health,” the report continues. Rather than a single train pulling multiple cars, each car attached to a modern electric train, called electric multiple units (EMUs), has its own motor. EMUs, which draw power from overhead wires or a third rail, are less expensive relative to diesel trains, don’t emit local pollution, are extremely reliable, and aren’t as heavy. When combined with updated platforms, the report estimates that trip times could be reduced by up to 50%, and the system would be made universally accessible.

Along with upgrading the infrastructure, TransitMatters’ report highlights a need to increase the frequency of off-peak trips and lower rates. This would make the transit system more equitable and increase ridership. Notably, reforming fares and trip frequency could begin before more intensive capital projects were launched.

“While commuter rail ridership has recovered considerably from the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains about 30% below pre-crisis levels, speaking to a need to move beyond commuter rail’s peak-oriented model to boost ridership and avoid a negative feedback loop imposed by possible service cuts,” the report continues.

Investing in an efficient transit system would not only reduce carbon emissions and improve the health and experience of regular riders, it would also reduce vehicle congestion. For now, driving remains the most viable option for many commuters in the Commonwealth.