Fairmount Line#Improvement project

File:1880 Boston railroads map.jpg

The line was built as an entrance to Boston for the Norfolk County Railroad and its successors, which originally had to rely on a connection via the Boston and Providence Railroad (B&P) from Dedham. The new line, built in 1855, split from the old one at Islington and ran northeast, crossing the Boston and Providence Railroad at Readville. It continued on through Hyde Park and Dorchester before crossing the Old Colony Railroad at South Bay Junction. The line continued into South Boston and made a sweeping curve along a trestle west to downtown Boston and a terminal at Dewey Square.

After several failed reorganizations, the line became part of the New York and New England Railroad (NY&NE) in 1873 and the New England Railroad in 1895. The New England was leased to the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (NYNH&H) in 1898 and became their Midland Division. The line was operationally split at the junction with the Boston and Providence (also leased by the NYNH&H) at Readville, with many trains using the Midland from the southwest switching to the B&P, and some on the B&P from the south switching to the Midland.

In 1899, the new South Station union station opened, and a new set of tracks was built for the Midland on the west side of the Old Colony Railroad mainline, also part of the NYNH&H. The old South Boston station (located on West 1st Street between A and B Streets) was abandoned, being north of the junction with the new alignment, and the old terminal was no longer used, with the last bit of the old line (over Fort Point Channel) removed, and the rest used for freight only. South Boston was however served by the station that had been built for the Old Colony, now between the Old Colony and Midland tracks.

Under New Haven Railroad control, most intercity and some commuter trains from the former NY&NE (now the Franklin/Foxboro Line) switched onto the Northeast Corridor mainline (former B&P) at Readville, with Midland Branch service largely limited to local trains. Passenger service last ran on the Midland north of Readville in 1944 after a long period of declining ridership, though the line continued to be used for freight service to South Boston.

File:Morton Street before rebuild.jpg

The MBTA had bought the Franklin Line tracks south of Readville from Penn Central in 1973. In 1976, the MBTA bought the Midland line from Readville to Southampton Street. On December 7, 1976, the agency awarded a $3.7 million contract to modernize the line for use as a bypass while the Northeast Corridor was closed during the Southwest Corridor project. Three of the former stations – {{bts|Fairmount}}, {{bts|Morton Street}} and {{bts|Uphams Corner}} – were rebuilt with bare asphalt platforms and opened for local commuter service.{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/chronicleofbosto00mass |title=A Chronicle of the Boston Transit System |year=1981 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |via=Internet Archive |page=12}} On November 3, 1979, all trains on the Franklin and Providence/Stoughton Lines, as well as Amtrak intercity service, were rerouted via the Midland. The restored service on the line was not intended to be permanent; however, it became locally popular.{{cite book |title=Fairmount Line Feasibility Study: Task One:Assessment of Existing Conditions (Draft) |date=October 15, 2001 |author=KKO and Associates |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Uphams Corner and Morton Street stations closed on January 30, 1981, as part of system-wide cuts that also included the closure of the Woburn Branch.{{NETransit}}

On October 5, 1987, the new Southwest Corridor opened to commuter service; most Franklin Line and Attleboro/Stoughton Line service was rerouted through it. The MBTA began operating the Fairmount Shuttle (later known as the Fairmount Line) between South Station and Fairmount on the old Midland tracks as a response to community demand. The stops at Morton Street and Uphams Corner were renovated and reopened.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75204034/the-boston-globe/ |title=Midlands Branch commuter rail service scheduled to resume in fall |first=Alex |last=Rothenberg |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 14, 1987 |page=22 |via=Newspapers.com}} The shuttle was extended to Readville on November 30, 1987. The route – sometimes called the Dorchester Branch by the MBTA – is used by some rush-hour Franklin/Foxboro Line trains to reduce load on the three-track Southwest Corridor and supplement the shuttle service. An MBTA study released in 2010 indicated that the most workable routing options for full-time service to Foxboro would involve extending some or all Fairmount Line trips to Foxboro over part of the Franklin Line.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/Final%20Foxborough%20Commuter%20Rail%20Report%20(01-Sept-10)%20-%20REPORT%20ONLY.pdf |title=Foxborough Commuter Rail Feasibility Study |author1=Jacobs Engineering Group |author2=Central Transportation Planning Staff |author3=Gailbraith, Anne S. |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=September 1, 2010 |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103081509/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/Final%20Foxborough%20Commuter%20Rail%20Report%20(01-Sept-10)%20-%20REPORT%20ONLY.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Some Providence/Stoughton Line trips used the Fairmount Line tracks until around 2004, when they were rerouted to the mainline to avoid passing through CSX's Readville 1-Yard.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/pdf/commuterrail/Attleboroweekday.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040716034319/http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/pdf/commuterrail/Attleboroweekday.pdf |archive-date=July 16, 2004 |title=MBTA Commuter Rail Attleboro/Stoughton Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=April 26, 2004}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/pdf/commuterrail/Attleboroweekday.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050301084709/http://www.mbta.com/traveling_t/pdf/commuterrail/Attleboroweekday.pdf |archive-date=March 1, 2005 |title=MBTA Commuter Rail Attleboro/Stoughton Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=November 1, 2005}} During disruptions on the Northeast Corridor north of Readville, Franklin and Providence service is sometimes diverted over the Fairmount Line.{{cite news |url=http://www.wcvb.com/news/electrical-fire-delays-mbta-commuter-rail-amtrak/32189304 |title=Electrical fire delays MBTA Commuter Rail, Amtrak: Fire at Forest Hills station goes to 2-alarms |date=April 4, 2015 |newspaper=WCVB |access-date=April 7, 2015 |quote=Passengers using the Franklin and Providence lines to get into Boston are being diverted to the Fairmount line to get into the city, according to commuter rail officials.}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/alerts/commuter-rail |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902174451/https://www.mbta.com/alerts/commuter-rail |archivedate=September 2, 2021 |date=September 2, 2021 |title=Alerts: Commuter Rail |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}

All grade crossings on the line were eliminated by the 1920s except Bird Street in Dorchester.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75203746/the-boston-globe/ |title=Dorchester District |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 9, 1924 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}} After a quarter-century of debate, plans to replace it with a road bridge at Cedar Place were cancelled in 1941 due to a steel shortage.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75203959/the-boston-globe/ |title=New Elimination Plan for Bird-St. Crossing Will Cost S165,000 |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 30, 1940 |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75203990/the-boston-globe/ |title=Bird-St. Crossing Dispute Still on After 25 Years |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=April 2, 1940 |page=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75202539/the-boston-globe/ |title=Priorities Postpone Dorchester Project |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=December 4, 1941 |page=13 |via=Newspapers.com}} The crossing was finally closed in the late 1970s in preparation for passenger service; a footbridge was built to replace it.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/75201240/the-boston-globe/ |title=[Untitled] |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=November 21, 1977 |page=38 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite book |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/dorchesteruphams1979bost/page/39 |page=39 |title=Dorchester / Uphams Corner District Profile and Proposed 1979–1981 Neighborhood Improvement Program |chapter=V: Proposed Three-Year Improvement Program (1979–1981) |year=1979 |publisher=Boston Redevelopment Authority |via=Internet Archive}} Although well-trafficked, the bridge deteriorated due to lack of maintenance and became unsafe; lighting was not replaced after persistent vandalism, and robberies were common. Residents filed a petition with the MBTA in 2010, but no actions were taken until the MBTA closed the bridge outright in March 2014 due to its condition.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/2013/12/hold_after_three_years_neighbors_want_something_done_at_ceyl.html |title=Poor conditions persist at rusting Ceylon Street bridge |newspaper=Boston Globe |last=Rosso |first=Patrick |date=December 19, 2013 |access-date=July 28, 2015}}{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2014/03/hold_ceylon_street_bridge_closed_by_t_future_unknown.html |title=Ceylon Street bridge closed by T; future unknown |newspaper=Boston Globe |last=Rosso |first=Patrick |date=March 6, 2014 |access-date=July 28, 2015}} The City of Boston and the MBTA each claimed the other was responsible for maintaining and funding a replacement bridge, and the bridge was demolished around 2018 without replacement.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/04/12/solution-sight-for-roxbury-footbridge/8Wf2CBulx4deluZznZkItJ/story.html |title=No solution in sight for Roxbury footbridge |newspaper=Boston Globe |last=Powers |first=Martine |date=April 12, 2014 |access-date=July 28, 2015}}

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File:Fairmount Line map.svg

File:Talbot Ave from Harvard Street in December 2012.JPG

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts agreed in 2005 to make improvements on the Fairmount Line part of its legally binding commitment to mitigate increased air pollution from the Big Dig. To comply with the State Implementation Plan filed with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the improvements were required to have been completed by December 31, 2011.

As an interim deadline, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation was required to "complete final design, apply for all necessary permits and grants, file any required legislation, and initiate all public and private land acquisition" by December 1, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.eot.state.ma.us/downloads/sip/07sipAnnualRpt.pdf |title=State Implementation Plan – Transit Commitments: Status Report |date=July 2, 2007 |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation |access-date=August 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213194530/http://www.eot.state.ma.us/downloads/sip/07sipAnnualRpt.pdf |archive-date=February 13, 2012 }}

The existing Uphams Corner and Morton Street stations were rebuilt, featuring high-level train platforms for easy boarding, canopies, access ramps, electronic message boards, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. Since the completion of the project, all stations on the line are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and be wheelchair-accessible.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/?id=1426 |title=Fairmount Line Improvements |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=August 3, 2011}}

Four new stations were constructed at Four Corners/Geneva, Talbot Avenue, Blue Hill Avenue, and Newmarket. Additionally, six bridges have been reconstructed, a new interlocking was added, and the signal system has been rebuilt.

The MBTA has allocated $37 million to the project{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} and $39 million has been allocated from the Commonwealth from the Emergency Needs Bond Bill of 2007. The total cost of the project is estimated at $79.4 million.Draft 2008-2013 MBTA Capital Improvement Plan, p. 128. The addition of new stations and the upgrades to the existing infrastructure are projected to divert 220 daily trips from automobiles to transit,2004 MBTA Program for Mass Transportation, Appendix, Table C-15. and increase daily weekday ridership on the line from around 2,800 to 7,300 one-way trips.Mac Daniel, "T To Begin Upgrade of Fairmount Rail Corridor," The Boston Globe, April 14, 2005 A $22.9 million reconstruction of the Massachusetts Avenue, Quincy Street, and Columbia Road bridges began in January 2007.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2007-01-07/fairmount-bridge-project-underway |title=Fairmount Bridge Project Underway |date=January 7, 2007 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}

The plan adopted by the MBTA is based on the Indigo Line plan advanced by community activists, which was intended to make the characteristics of the line more like rapid transit than commuter rail, with increased frequency and number of stops. However, in its initial proposal the MBTA did not plan to increase service frequency to match rapid transit lines, nor to install pre-pay fare systems. The Indigo Line plan also called for the use of diesel multiple unit (DMU) cars for faster acceleration and deceleration, which was considered by the MBTA but not implemented initially because of lack of funding. The proposed 2014 state budget included some funds to purchase DMU railcars and the state issued a request for proposals to purchase 30 DMUs, with deliveries starting in 2018, but the plan was canceled in 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.baystatebanner.com/2016/02/10/fairmount-line-setback-no-dmus-says-mbta/|title=Fairmount line setback: No DMUs says MBTA|first=Jule |last=Pattison-Gordon|date=February 10, 2016|publisher=Bay State Banner|access-date=November 20, 2019}}

The first new station to be completed, Talbot Ave, opened on November 12, 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2012/11/mbta_opens_new_commuter_rail_s.html |title=MBTA opens new commuter rail station at Talbot Avenue in Dorchester on Fairmount Line |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2012}} Newmarket and Four Corners/Geneva opened on July 1, 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/06/24/fairmount-commuter-line-bolster-service-cut-fare-from-one-station/8GtjPprBW8HogwDcbdMZlO/story.html |title=Commuter rail gives Fairmount a boost |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=June 25, 2013 |newspaper=Boston Globe |access-date=July 5, 2013}} Five new round trips were also added, and Fairmount station was changed to fare zone 1A (to reduce fares to the same as rapid transit) for two years as a pilot program.{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dorchester/2013/06/fairmount_commuter_rail_line_to_see_service_boost_some_cheap.html |title=Fairmount commuter rail line to see service boost, some cheaper fares |newspaper=Boston Globe |author=Rocheleau, Matt |date=June 24, 2013 |access-date=June 24, 2013}} Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held at Newmarket, Four Corners/Geneva Ave, and Talbot Ave on July 17, 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=27077&month=&year= |title=Patrick Administration Opens Three New Commuter Rail Stations |date=July 17, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2013 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}

The location and design of Blue Hill Avenue has been more controversial. A public meeting held in April 2014 showed mixed local opinions about the stations, with some nearby residents feeling that the stop was imposed on the neighborhood by the MBTA without sufficient public input.{{cite web |url=http://hereandsphere.com/2014/04/11/everything-was-quiet-business-like-at-mattapan-transpo-meeting-and-then/ |title=Everything Was Quiet & Business-like at Mattapan Transpo Meeting, And Then ..... |publisher=Here and Sphere |date=April 11, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2014}} At a later meeting, the MBTA presented a plan under which construction would begin in September 2015 for a June 2017 opening.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/BH%20September%2015%20Meeting%20Presentation.pdf |title=Blue Hill Ave Station Design Meeting |date=September 15, 2014 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002232548/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/BH%20September%2015%20Meeting%20Presentation.pdf |url-status=dead }} On October 16, 2014, the MBTA announced that construction of Blue Hill Avenue station will resume, with 100 percent design expected in spring 2015 and construction to start that November for a December 2017 opening. The MBTA also then announced that hourly weekend service would begin on November 29, 2014 – the first weekend service on the line since passenger service was reintroduced in 1979.{{cite press release |url=http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/governor-patrick-announces-fairmount-line-service-upgrades/ |title=Governor Patrick Announces Fairmount Line Service Upgrades |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |work=MassDOT Blog |date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017041736/http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/governor-patrick-announces-fairmount-line-service-upgrades/ |url-status=dead }} In October 2016, the station entered the bidding phase with construction planned for 2017 and a station opening in 2019.{{cite news|url=http://www.dotnews.com/2016/mattapan-residents-get-t-station-update-officials-get-positive-nods-he|title=Mattapan residents get T station update; officials get positive nods, hear concerns|last=Garrett|first=Brianne|date=October 13, 2016|newspaper=Dorchester Reporter|access-date=October 14, 2016}} Construction of the station began on June 3, 2017. To accommodate construction work at the station site, all weekend Fairmount Line trains in both directions were cut back to Morton Street, with bus shuttles between Morton Street, Fairmount, and Readville, and late-night outbound Fairmount Line service on weekdays was completely replaced with busses.{{cite web|url=http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&route=Fairmount+Line#details|title=Current Service Alerts, Advisories, Delays, and Outages|date=August 5, 2017|website=www.mbta.com|publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805225015/http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/transit_updates/?ttype=cr&route=Fairmount+Line|archive-date=August 5, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Commuter_Rail/fairmount.pdf?led=6%2F3%2F2017%201%3A22%3A09%20AM|title=FAIRMOUNT LINE effective June 3, 2017|date=June 3, 2017|website=www.mbta.com|publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority|format=PDF|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805230724/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Commuter_Rail/fairmount.pdf?led=6%2F3%2F2017%201%3A22%3A09%20AM|archive-date=August 5, 2017|access-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=dead}} The station opened on February 25, 2019.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2019-02-24/blue-hill-avenue-station-opens-fairmount-line-customers-february-25 |title=Blue Hill Avenue Station Opens to Fairmount Line Customers on February 25 |date=February 24, 2019 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=February 25, 2019}}

The line was shut down on weekends in November and December 2017 for the installation of Positive Train Control equipment in order to meet a 2020 federal deadline.{{cite web |url=http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Board_Meetings/K.%20%20%20FINAL%20FMCB%20PTC%20WE%20Suspension%20Comm%20Plan%203-27-17.pdf |title=Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC): Update and Communications Plan for Suspension of Weekend Service |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=March 27, 2017 |page=6 |access-date=March 30, 2017 |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331205623/http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Board_Meetings/K.%20%20%20FINAL%20FMCB%20PTC%20WE%20Suspension%20Comm%20Plan%203-27-17.pdf |url-status=dead }} Reconstruction of the Norfolk Avenue and East Cottage Street bridges took place in the 2020s.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-03/2022-03-24-proposed-fy23-27-mbta-cip-2.pdf |title=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY23-27 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Proposed |date=March 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=38}}

A 2010 study on the potential addition of regular commuter service to the limited-service station at Foxboro included the possibility of extending Fairmount Line trains to Foxboro.{{cite web |url=http://old.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/Final%20Foxborough%20Commuter%20Rail%20Report%20(01-Sept-10)%20-%20REPORT%20ONLY.pdf |title=Foxboro Commuter Rail Feasibility Study: Final Report |date=September 1, 2010 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |author=Jacobs Engineering Group |access-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108151830/http://old.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/T_Projects/T_Projects_List/Final%20Foxborough%20Commuter%20Rail%20Report%20(01-Sept-10)%20-%20REPORT%20ONLY.pdf |url-status=dead }} In August 2017, the MBTA Fiscal Control Board approved an 11-month pilot program to test commuter rail service to Foxboro, with service planned to begin sometime in late 2018 or early 2019, although Fairmount Line advocates warned it might reduce service quality to existing Fairmount Line stations.{{Cite news|url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/foxborough/mbta-board-approves-foxborough-commuter-rail-pilot|title=MBTA Board Approves Foxborough Commuter Rail Pilot|date=August 14, 2017|work=Foxborough, MA Patch|access-date=August 19, 2017|language=en-US}} Service to Foxboro – a combination of extended Fairmount Line trains and rerouted Franklin Line trains – began on October 21, 2019. Some local advocates have criticized the extension, saying it would degrade service at existing stops for the benefit of wealthier suburban commuters, while others believe it may make higher-frequency service possible.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/12/fairmount-foxborough-line-urban-suburban-transit-debate/4xok2xeKDJ4iEH1ZQf3m6K/story.html |title=Fairmount or Foxborough Line? An urban-suburban transit debate |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=November 13, 2017 |first=Adam |last=Vaccaro |access-date=November 26, 2017 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033501/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/12/fairmount-foxborough-line-urban-suburban-transit-debate/4xok2xeKDJ4iEH1ZQf3m6K/story.html |url-status=dead }}

In January 2020, the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board voted to add four weekday Fairmount Line round trips as a one-year pilot program, originally planned to begin on May 18, 2020, but later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1.1 million pilot increased service to 24 round trips on weekdays.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-01/2020-01-27-fmcb-M-fairmount-line-pilot-accessible.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Proposal Update |date=January 27, 2020 |first=Reggie |last=Ramos |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} CharlieCard readers were placed at stations to provide a proof-of-payment ticket that allows a transfer to subway or bus. The expanded service began on June 22, 2020, after three months of systemwide reduced service due to pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-06/2020-06-15-fmcb-F-report-from-deputy-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the Deputy General Manager |date=June 15, 2020 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} One additional round trip was added on November 2, 2020, with 45-minute headways all day, as part of a systemwide transition to a regional rail model. Foxboro service was suspended at that time, with plans to resume in Spring 2021 (though that did not occur).{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-09/2020-09-14-fmcb-K-fall-commuter-rail-schedules-accessible.pdf |title=Fall 2020 Commuter Rail Schedule Changes |date=September 14, 2020 |first=Rob |last=DiAdamo |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Weekday service was temporarily reduced to hourly headways from December 14, 2020, to April 5, 2021, again as part of systemwide reductions.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2020-12-10/commuter-rail-temporarily-operate-reduced-service-schedule-starting-december-14 |title=Commuter Rail to Temporarily Operate Reduced Service Schedule Starting December 14 |date=December 10, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |title=Reminder: Spring 2021 Commuter Rail Schedules Take Effect April 5 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603210850/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/reminder-spring-2021-commuter-rail-schedules-take-effect-april-5/ |url-status=dead }}

{{As of|February 2022}}, the line had {{frac|23|1|2}} round trips on weekdays and 12 on weekends.{{cite magazine |magazine=Rollsign |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |date=January–February 2022 |issue=1–2 |volume=59 |title=MBTA Vehicle Inventory as of February 28, 2022 |first=Jonathan |last=Belcher |page=17}} Beginning May 23, 2022, bicycles are allowed on all Fairmount Line trains.{{cite press release |url=https://www.keoliscs.com/news/mbta-commuter-rail-spring-summer-schedule-to-take-effect-may-23/ |title=MBTA Commuter Rail Spring/Summer Schedule to Take Effect May 23 |date=May 10, 2022 |publisher=Keolis Commuter Services |access-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513000252/https://www.keoliscs.com/news/mbta-commuter-rail-spring-summer-schedule-to-take-effect-may-23/ |url-status=dead }} The 2020-added round trips were made permanent, as were free transfers to bus and subway plus use of Charliecards for payment.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-05-10/mbta-celebrates-permanent-frequent-fairmount-line-service |title=MBTA Celebrates Permanent Frequent Fairmount Line Service |date=May 10, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Limited Foxboro service also resumed at that time, albeit only with trains running via Ruggles rather than via the Fairmount Line.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2022-spring/2022-05-23-cr-franklin-line-spring-summer-schedule.pdf |title=Franklin Line 2022 Spring/Summer Schedule |date=May 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} By October 2022, daily ridership was at 2,843 – 107% of 2018 ridership, compared to the system average of 69%. Ridership reached 130% of pre-COVID ridership in May 2023 – the highest ridership recorded on the line in the MBTA era.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-06-02/fairmount-line-ridership-reaches-new-all-time-high-fairmount-ridership-130-pre |title=Fairmount Line Ridership Reaches New All-Time High, Fairmount Ridership at 130% of pre-COVID levels in May 2023 |date=June 2, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Until May 2023, all intermediate stations on the line were flag stops outside of weekday peak hours. Effective May 22, 2023, they were made regular scheduled stops at all times.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6157/CR-Fairmount-S3-P3.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Fall/Winter Schedule |date=October 17, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6495/2023-spring-summer-cr-fairmount-line.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Spring/Summer Schedule |date=May 22, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-05-16/commuter-rail-springsummer-schedule-take-effect-may-22 |title=Commuter Rail Spring/Summer Schedule to Take Effect May 22 |date=May 16, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} On October 2, 2023, the last evening Stoughton-bound train began operating via the Fairmount Line – the first such service since 2004.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6697/2023-10-02-cr-fall-winter-providence-stoughton-line.pdf.pdf |title=Providence/Stoughton Line: Fall/Winter Schedule |date=October 2, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Service on the line was increased to 30-minute headways (including weekends) on May 20, 2024.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-04/11.%20Draft%202_Spring%202024%20Schedule%20Changes_Board%20Meeting%20Slides_April%202024%20v1.pdf |title=Spring 2024 Transportation Schedule Changes |date=April 25, 2024 |first=Ryan |last=Coholan |page=7 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Some midday trains began short-turning at Fairmount at that time.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6697/2023-10-02-cr-fall-winter-fairmount-line.pdf.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Fall/Winter Schedule |date=October 2, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203163920/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_6697/2023-10-02-cr-fall-winter-fairmount-line.pdf.pdf |archive-date=December 3, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7022/2024-05-20-cr-spring-summer-fairmount-line-schedule-accessible.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Spring/Summer Schedule |date=May 20, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520223526/https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/batch_7022/2024-05-20-cr-spring-summer-fairmount-line-schedule-accessible.pdf |archive-date=May 20, 2024}} All weekend Franklin/Foxboro Line trains also began operating over the Fairmount Line.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520224808/https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |url=https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts |date=May 20, 2024 |title=Alerts: Franklin/Foxboro Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}

In the years following the cancelation of the Indigo Line proposal in 2016, transit advocates and lawmakers have called for the full electrification of the Fairmount Line. In June 2022, the MBTA indicated plans to convert the Fairmount Line to electric service in 2028–29. Catenary would not be installed on the line; battery electric multiple units (BEMUs) would be used, with a charging location at Readville.{{cite web |url=https://mbta.com/sites/default/files/2022-06/10.%20Rail%20Transformation%20Technology%20Board%20Update%20v2.pdf |title=Regional Rail Transformation Update: Traction Power Planning for Regional and Urban Rail Services |first=Alistar |last=Sawers |date=June 23, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=7, 9}} In December 2023, MBTA Commuter Rail operator Keolis solicited a proposal to procure BEMUs and implement 20-minute headways on the Fairmount Line by 2027 as leverage for contract renewal; the MBTA issued a notice of due diligence in March 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/mbta-plan-would-introduce-battery-electric-equipment-on-one-commuter-rail-route/ |title=MBTA plan would introduce battery-electric equipment on one commuter rail route |first=David |last=Lassen |date=March 17, 2024 |newspaper=Trains News Wire |access-date=March 18, 2024}} The MBTA board approved the $54 million proposal in July 2024, with the new equipment to enter service in early 2028.{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2024-07-25/mbta-board-approves-keolis-plan-introduce-battery-electric-trains-fairmount |date=July 25, 2024 |title=MBTA Board Approves Keolis Plan to Introduce Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-07/fairmount-line-keolis-decarbonization-proposal-update-3-7-25-2024.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Decarbonized Service |date=July 25, 2024 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} Keolis will construct a light maintenance facility for BEMUs as part of the contract. {{As of|November 2024}}, Keolis expects to issue a request for proposals for rolling stock in December 2024 and for financing in early 2025.{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2024-11/7.%20Fairmount%20Line%20Decarbonization%20Board%20Update%2011.21.24%20FINAL.pdf |title=Fairmount Line Decarbonization Program Update |date=November 21, 2024 |author=Keolis |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}} The RFP would be released in February 2025.{{Cite web |last=Rani |first=Archana |date=2025-02-14 |title=Keolis, MBTA seek bids for battery-electric trains on Fairmount Line in US |url=https://www.railway-technology.com/news/keolis-mbta-bids-fairmount/ |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Railway Technology |language=en-US}}

File:Four Corners Geneva Ave station, looking inbound, July 2013.JPG

File:Fairmount looking outbound.JPG

File:River Street station postcard.jpg

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|MBTA Fairmount Line}}

{{Attached KML}}

• [http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=FAIRMNT MBTA – Fairmount Line Schedule]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130129100850/http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/t_projects/default.asp?id=14261 MBTA – Fairmount Line Improvements]
• [https://archive.org/details/fairmount-line-feasibility-study-final-report 2002 feasibility study]
• [https://archive.org/details/fairmount-corridor-improvements-project-needs-assessment-executive-summary 2004 needs assessment]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100816062604/http://www.eot.state.ma.us/downloads/MBTA_FairmountReport.pdf 2008 service enhancement study]

{{MBTA}}

{{Massachusetts-Rhode Island transit agencies}}

Category:MBTA Commuter Rail

Category:New York and New England Railroad lines

Category:Rail infrastructure in Massachusetts