MBTA's commuter line achieves full restoration

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Commuter Rail service will be fully restored beginning today, the agency's contractor Keolis Commuter Services announced.

The commuter-rail system has been on a limited schedule for the past month due to severe weather, which damaged railroad infrastructure and the locomotive fleet, Keolis officials said in a statement. A total of 67 traction motors failed in a three-week period, whereas about 20 of the motors are expected to fail during a typical winter, the company said.

"We know the service interruptions have caused hardships for our passengers and we want this community to know that we are doing everything in our power to regain their trust by providing a service that is safe and reliable, and to communicate better when issues arise that impact schedules," said Keolis Commuter Services General Manager Gerald Francis.

The Keolis Commuter Services unit in Boston underwent a significant leadership overhaul following MBTA service breakdowns and delays. Francis succeeded Thomas Mulligan who stepped down at the end of February for personal reasons. Additionally, Franck Dubourdieu became the unit's deputy general manager following Mulligan's resignation.

Prior to the contractor's leadership swaps, MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott in February announced her resignation. Frank DePaola, acting secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, was named the agency's interim general manager.