Boston’s Commuter Train that Just Makes (No) Sense | MBTA Providence Line

Trains Are Awesome!

[Dogod]

For some context, for many years the MBTA has wanted to upgrade the commuter rail system into regional rail. They've already been increasing frequencies, but I guess now they're starting to hit the limits of what the existing fleet can do. Meanwhile, the state has a ban on new diesel locomotives. So basically, we have a situation where the MBTA needs to purchase new vehicles anyway, but they don't have enough money to electrify a new line (the MBTA needs $25 billion just to restore a state of good repair, let alone improvements), they can't buy diesel locomotives, and battery technology has been steadily improving over time. So battery electric is the answer.

There are a few reasons they chose the Fairmount Line over the Providence Line. First, it's a much shorter line than Providence. That means it's cheaper to purchase the fleet needed to electrify it. Second, it runs at a much higher frequency already, and the MBTA has ambitions to increase its frequency even further. Bringing the Providence Line up to modern frequency standards would require a larger fleet size increase because the difference it needs to make up is so much larger. Third, the Fairmount Line runs through denser neighborhoods than the Providence Line, so removing the diesel and noise pollution from those neighborhoods will have a larger impact. Fourth, the stops are closer together, so the improved acceleration of electric trains will have a larger impact.

My guess is if Fairmount is succesful, Providence will be the second line electrified. Probably also with battery electric trains.

[TheLiamster]

I love the MBTA but I wish there was through running in downtown Boston linking South and North station

[ArtisticHH]

Fun fact: Before the current Pawtucket/Central Falls station, there was another station a few miles north with the same name that had an entire indoor section and dual-island platforms. “Its History” has a video about it if you’re curious

[pinchy]

I can’t wait this Spring till MBTA finally opens there South Coast Rail project. Finally these trains will serve the towns of Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton. However in this Phase. These new lines will join the Middleborough/Lakeville line. In the 2030s there is a Phase II where these lines will also join the Providence/Stoughton line via Attleboro.

[PhillFernandes]

Now you just need to ride the entire NE Corridor from terminus to terminus. :D

[davinp]

VRE and MBTA have something in common - they are both operated by Keolis North America. In USA, they are based in Boston, Massachusetts. They had tried to bid for MARC trains but failed because Maryland didn't want Keolis because Keolis was associated with the Holocoust.

[RSubwayCar]

They should make those Electric train go on the Providence line, Why they have to choose the Fairmont line 🤦‍♂️

[noahramsey]

glad to see the love for RI, i own a car but always choose to take this via park and ride when i go to boston - no need to deal with the traffic/parking nightmares.

[johnfriel-ujzs]

Electrified Trains VS Diesel 😊Outstanding Video As Usual 😊Thanks Thom😅😊😮

[valeriecallaghan]

Great video! I enjoyed my commute on the Kingston line into South Station every day. So much better than driving in. The Kingston line actually passes behind my house. My 15 month old grandson loves watching the train when he’s over. His face is priceless when he hears it rolling down the track and then passing by. He loves trains just like me! Haha. I need to take another Amtrak trip soon. I’m overdue!

[myguyrdb]

Loved the video
Its cool to see you talk about the Providence Stoughton line
Its easily my most taken train as I live on the line and it gives me easy access to two major cities

[IaHarbour]

Providence Line electric service has been considered for a pilot within the last few years but has been mostly scuttled by RIDOT not wanting to pay for the infastructure on the Rhode Island side that would be required, as far as I can tell. The Fairmount Line battery service is a bit simpler because there is not that road block, and there is a clear need to provide service that cannot be met by the abilities of the current diesel fleet on that line (significantly reduced headways, etc.). The T is trying to run the Fairmount Line more like the subway services than the longer distance regional services.

[bethbudner]

Yes, I think you 're right that it's about time for the Providence Commuter Rail branch to go electric to help reduce emissions & getting to our favorite destinations (i.e. Fun water Fire shows in Providence, R.I., respectively). Beth

[alarmsandamtrak]

Great video! You said that the MBTA owns the line today. Although they do own the infrastructure, a private company called Keolis runs the trains and employs the staff.

[kevanhubbard]

I did that line around 2001 and at the time it was run by Amtrak under contract to the MBTA so painted up in MBTA livery so you couldn't tell that Amtrak actually ran them.I believe that a year or so later Connex took over the contract.I did see an Amtrak locomotive pulling a MBTA train once but I can't remember which line it was on probably due to a problem with the dedicated MBTA livered locomotive? Having diesel, or steam, under electric wires isn't so good as the heat at stops can damage the wiring.

[Lucius_Chiaraviglio]

Ever been in Back Bay Station? The air quality in platform area is atrocious due to the diesel exhaust that is trapped in the tunnel. So that right there is a reason that the MBTA should electrify. But they won't do it unless they are dragged into it kicking and screaming, and their choice of the stupidest (and in the long run expensive) way of electrifying the Fairmount Line is an opening scream.

[jftransit]

Awesome video. I cover mainly the New York City subway & surrounding area in my channel but it’s always nice to see other cities. Great channel! You’re One of the best if not the best 🔥🔥🙏🏻

[sebastianzapatavanegas]

So cool to know Pawtucket has a new station! i have family there and every time i visited and wanted to go to Boston, I took the train in south Attleboro

[codfish]

My home turf! As a Providence Line rider, it absolutely should be electrified (at the least for Providence locals). But, if what rumors I heard is to go by, I think the rationale for the Fairmount being first boils down to environmental justice stuff and other unique oddities with the Fairmount, and fees to use Amtrak’s catenary being stupidly expensive. (the second one is a rumor, the first one I very much believe is true)

Nevertheless, great video, and cool to see Rhode Island get the light of day on this channel!

[aidanpeck]

As a born and raised Rhode Islander and now living in Ma who frequently visited people in Boston growing up. I can say that most people don’t really know about or use the train in Rhode Island. I think that RIDOT and the MBTA need to do a better job of communicating the benefits of the service because a service like this should absolutely have double the ridership given access to public transit in Boston. I think that should come before they try to electrify the service. Maximizing what they already have before spending that kind of money on new trains