Extension comes as parking activity surpasses 2019 levels

April 17, 2025 (BOSTON) – Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the MBTA’s operating and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, has received a one-year extension its contract to manage more than 100 MBTA-owned parking facilities. The extension comes as March 2025 Commuter Rail parking activity surpassed 2019 levels for the first time, signaling a strong return of riders post-COVID.

Keolis has held the MBTA parking contract since 2022, and the extension will run through 2026. In addition to the 91 surface parking lots and 10 parking garages in the original contract, Keolis is also now managing five of the recently opened lots on the new Fall River/New Bedford Commuter Rail line.

Keolis’ management of the contract has resulted in lower costs for the MBTA, as well sustained revenue growth each year since 2022. Combined operations between rail operations and parking has also resulted in reduced customer complaints and improved cleanliness at facilities.

“Managing these parking facilities on behalf of the MBTA has allowed Keolis to improve the passenger experience from the moment they arrive at the station,” said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis. “We’re proud of the vote of confidence in this contract extension, and we look forward to continuing to serve riders.”

Keolis parking staff is responsible for managing customer service, performing payment compliance enforcement, cleaning and maintaining lots and garages, and clearing snow &I ice parking facilities. As part of the contract, Keolis also commits to spending $500,000 annually on Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) during the multi-year contract.

Keolis Commuter Services has operated and maintained the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s commuter rail system, the sixth largest commuter rail operation in North America, for over ten years. KCS is a subsidiary of Keolis North America (KNA), both headquartered in Boston, and employs approximately 2,500 people throughout the region. KCS and KNA are part of Keolis Group, an innovative global leader in transit services with more than a century of passenger transportation experience and operations in 13 countries.

###