MBTA Commuter Rail Has Improved Reliability, But Still Needs to Attract Riders

A new study on transit systems across the country, conducted by the MassINC Policy Center and TransitMatters, has revealed that the MBTA has much to be proud of in its Commuter Rail service.

While the transportation service provider has improved its reliability, it still has work to do to attract riders. Ridership and reliability gains have pushed the T's Commuter Rail service to roughly 90% of pre-pandemic levels, the strongest recovery among major U.S. systems.

“This signals a real shift,” said Caitlin Allen-Connelly, executive director of TransitMatters, in a statement shared with GBH. “Our Commuter Rail service is a success story in terms of ridership rebound compared to our peer agencies.”

According to the study, the Commuter Rail rebound is attributed to schedule dispersion implemented in 2020, clearer timetables, and new fare options, such as a $10 weekend pass and income-eligible reduced fare.

The Commuter Rail, in particular, has seen marked increases in the number of low-income riders, those without vehicles, and people taking non-work trips.

“The T deserves a lot of credit for the work that they've done,” Allen-Connelly said to GBH, “as does Keolis,” the private company that the MBTA contracts to operate the commuter rail system. “The T has really been putting in place better service and responding to riders' needs.”

Despite these successes, the study projects the system could support 400,000 additional weekday riders, signaling a potential 400% growth over current volumes.

To drive further ridership, the report recommended cutting off-peak and reverse-commute fares in half and investing in frequency and reliability.