The MBTA Board approved a $54 million plan to introduce electric trains on the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line.

“This is really the first step that we see in terms of moving forward with key initiatives that have been talked about for a long time,” MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said at the board meeting Thursday. … “This is really, truly an important time for us as we embrace the future, and we start looking at how to move forward with electrification across our system.”

The electrification proposal, submitted by Keolis Commuter Services in December 2023, would introduce battery electric multiple unit (BEMUs) trains onto the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. The trains are anticipated to begin running by 2028.

Proponents of the plan have noted the electric fleet will decrease carbon emissions, aligning with the state’s environmental goals.

“By electrifying the Fairmount Line, we’ll deliver more frequent, reliable service while also moving Massachusetts forward on our climate goals,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a release, noting the “long-term benefits on our transportation system, environment, economy, and overall quality of life.”

Local advocates also stated Thursday that the plan is an important step to decreasing air pollution and developing faster, more reliable service in key areas like Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Hyde Park.

“For years, we have been working for the improved and equitable transit solutions along the line,” said Mela Bush, transit advocate with the Fairmount Indigo Transit Coalition. “And this is a lifeline for many of Boston’s underserved communities. Millions of dollars of investment to electrify this line will serve to improve the air quality and quality of life in our communities in so many ways.”

Bush cited MBTA estimates that the electric fleet would remove “17,700 tons of CO2 from neighborhoods with significant asthma and respiratory illnesses.” The service, the MBTA added, will also save 1.6 million gallons of fuel a year.

The Fairmount line includes nine stations and carries approximately 3,200 passengers per day, according to April 2024 MBTA estimates. A statement from TransitMatters noted that the line is the “fastest-growing Commuter Rail line, with over 100% of pre-COVID level ridership.”

“This is a monumental step that represents the first real commitment to the Regional Rail vision laid out five years ago” said Jarred Johnson, Executive Director of TransitMatters, citing plans to update the Commuter Rail. “We’re excited that the T is partnering with Keolis to test new technology that allows us to electrify the service faster and bring tangible benefits to riders.”

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The BEMU trains use hybrid power, the state noted with an onboard battery charging when “overhead catenary wires are available, such as at South Station,” the MBTA detailed. They reduce noise and vibration for passengers and residents in the area and provide smoother, quieter rides.

The trains are expected to run every 20 minutes on weekdays, the MBTA stated.

With the Board approval, the MBTA and Keolis are now set to finalize the contract and timeline for the rollout.