MA: Lawmakers pushing for MBTA to electrify Commuter Rail by 2035

State lawmakers are making another push for Commuter Rail electrification, now that a new governor is in office.

Legislation was filed in both the House and Senate that calls for the MBTA and its rail contractor, Keolis, to operate a fully electric Commuter Rail system by Dec. 31, 2035, and “ensure sufficient zero-emission infrastructure is in place” to meet that timeline.

Three lines that serve environmental justice populations — Newburyport/Rockport from North Station to Beverly, Fairmount from South Station to Readville and the entire Providence/Stoughton Line — would be electrified first, by Dec. 31, 2024.

“These types of projects check the box on a wide range of issues, in terms of ending our reliance on diesel vehicles, helping mobility in environmental justice communities and improving public health,” said state Sen. Brendan Crighton, who filed the Senate version of the proposed bill. .................(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/21293664/ma-lawmakers-pushing-for-mbta-to-electrify-commuter-rail-by-2035