Commuter Rail contract expected to go out to bid in 2019

BOSTON — The MBTA’s contract with Keolis is set to expire in 2022, and news from the Massachusetts State House indicates it will not be extended.

Keolis has five years left on their eight-year-contract before that time, but before that point new bids will be accepted.

“The decision not to extend the current 8 year contract is not a reflection of Keolis’ performance; indeed,  I fully expect that Keolis would compete as part of the re-procurement," Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said. You can read her full statement below.

The process for new bids takes two years, and would therefore need to begin in 2019.

"We will continue to work in close partnership with the MBTA over the five remaining years of our eight-year contract to deliver the level of service our passengers expect and deserve,” a statement from Keolis to FOX25 said. You can read their full statement below.

Keolis has been the subject of harsh criticism, especially for the winter of 2015 service. After the cancelation of many trains, steep fines were levied against the French company.

Sec. Pollack's Full statement:

“The current commuter rail contract with Keolis Commuter Services runs through June 30, 2022 and MassDOT will continue working closely with Keolis to provide excellent service to our customers for the duration of the contract.  In keeping with good business practices, the MBTA is committed to evaluate the contract structure and initiate a re-procurement before the current contract expires.   The decision not to extend the current 8 year contract is not a reflection of Keolis’ performance; indeed,  I fully expect that Keolis would compete as part of the re-procurement."

Full statement from Keolis:

"Keolis is fully committed to this market, as demonstrated by our recent decision to relocate our North America headquarters to Boston, and we remain focused on providing a safe and reliable service to our passengers every day. We will continue to work in close partnership with the MBTA over the five remaining years of our eight-year contract to deliver the level of service our passengers expect and deserve, while also continuing to bring forward the types of innovative solutions that have made us a global leader in public transportation."

Cox Media Group