Jennifer Smith | Dorchester Reporter

“The Fairmount Line is primed to be on the front end of a major commuter rail improvement, according to a new, in-depth report that advocates for an improved “regional rail” network. The sweeping report by the non-profit TransitMatters calls for a long-term overhaul to the regional system, with electrified rail, raised platforms, faster service, and other changes that would cost billions of dollars.

As laid out in the report, alterations to the statewide commuter rail network would bring the Fairmount line up to a nearly subway style standard of service, focusing on weekday peak travel times. TransitMatters wants station arrivals every 30 minutes in the suburbs and 15 in denser neighborhoods, like Dorchester and Mattapan.

The network should be electrified and the current trains replaced with self-propelled electric vehicles called electric multiple units, or EMUs, the report recommends. Raised station platforms would let people board level to the train, fare adjustments and transfers connectivity between the commuter rail, subways, and bus system would encourage broader use of the MBTA system.

And the first step should be transitioning the Fairmount Line, the report said.”