MBTA Adding Dozens of Commuter Rail Workers Ahead of Winter Season

By FRANK O’LAUGHLIN (Patch Staff)

The company which runs the MBTA commuter rail, Keolis, announced Thursday that it would be adding 54 new conductors and assistant conductors ahead of the winter season.

The decision to do so comes as part of a comprehensive Service Improvement Plan finalized last month with the MBTA. By deploying more personnel on MBTA commuter rail trains, Keolis feels the move will only affirm its commitment to improving customer service.

Specific job responsibilities include on-board fare collection, assisting people as they board and exit trains, managing issues impacting on-time performance, and ensuring the safety of the 127,000 passengers who ride MBTA Commuter Rail each day.

“This staffing increase is part of our commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience, while also ensuring that we operate on schedule and everyone who boards a commuter rail train pays their fare,” said Gerald C. Francis, Keolis Commuter Services General Manager. “We will continue to monitor staffing levels and listen to customer feedback to ensure we are providing the quality service that passengers expect and deserve every day.”

Seventeen new assistant conductors began work on June 27, another 17 begin on September 12, with another group of 15 beginning service in October. An additional 15 conductors will then be hired and trained.

The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board recently endorsed the plan developed by the MBTA and Keolis to improve service and operations over the next five months. Areas of focus include on-time performance, staffing, customer service, fare collection, equipment maintenance and winter weather resiliency plans.