MBTA Seeks New Commuter Rail Operator

The agency is accepting final bids to take over the regional rail service contract from current operator Keolis.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is seeking proposals from companies to take over the operation of its commuter rail service, currently run by Keolis, a French transit firm. The agency is accepting final bids for the lucrative contract, which could be worth billions, with a decision expected by the MBTA board of directors in late 2026. Keolis, the incumbent operator since 2014, is bidding to retain the contract, while two other consortiums have also submitted proposals.

Why it matters

The commuter rail contract is one of the MBTA's largest and most important operational agreements, impacting hundreds of thousands of daily riders across the Greater Boston region. The outcome of this bidding process will determine the future management, operations, and potential service improvements of the regional rail network.

The details

The MBTA has not disclosed how many companies responded to the initial bid solicitation, citing the ongoing procurement process. The agency also declined to share the Request for Proposals (RFP) document, which details the requirements for bidders. Under the current contract, Keolis is responsible for operating, managing, and maintaining the commuter rail infrastructure. Keolis's tenure has had some challenges, including service disruptions during harsh winters, but the company has also touted improvements in on-time performance and scheduling. In addition to Keolis, two other consortiums have submitted bids: one led by Alternate Concepts Inc. and another led by Transdev North America and Transport UK.

  • The MBTA is accepting final bids for the commuter rail contract in fall 2026.
  • The MBTA board of directors will select the winning proposal, but an exact decision date has not been specified.

The players

Keolis

A French transit firm that has operated the MBTA's commuter rail service since 2014 under a $2.68 billion contract.

Alternate Concepts Inc.

A Boston-based transit management firm led by James O'Leary, a former MBTA general manager, that is bidding to replace Keolis.

Transdev North America

The American subsidiary of the French transit firm Transdev, which operates in 46 states and has a contract to manage Boston Public Schools' bus fleet.

Transport UK

A British transit operator that is part of the consortium bidding against Keolis and Alternate Concepts Inc.

MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the public agency that oversees the commuter rail and other public transit services in the Greater Boston region.

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What’s next

The MBTA board of directors will select the winning proposal for the commuter rail contract, but an exact decision date has not been specified.

The takeaway

The MBTA's commuter rail contract is a high-stakes procurement that will shape the future of the regional rail network. The decision will impact hundreds of thousands of daily riders and determine whether the service continues to improve under new management or faces further challenges.