MBTA Commuter Rail Operator Fined More Than $800K

The general manager of the MBTA is defending the $2.7 billion contract given to the new operator of the commuter rail system, despite revelations that the company has been fined more than $800,000 in just four months.

The Boston Herald reported this week that Keolis Commuter Services had been fined $434,000 for failing to meet on-time targets in all four months since taking over in July. But Keolis has been fined another $370,000 for various other problems, including dirty trains.

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority chief Beverly Scott on Wednesday defended the eight-year contract, but said there are obviously improvements to be made.

Keolis general manager Thomas Mulligan urged commuter rail riders to be patient. He blamed many of the late trains on old equipment and said upgrades are underway.