Arborway Committe for Public Transit Opposes Decision to Refurbish Diesel Trains 

January 12, 2026 - The Arborway Committee for Public Transit opposes the MBTA’s decision to spend $253 million refurbishing 40 diesel trains to keep them running into the 2030s. This move delays the MBTA’s long-term goal of eliminating diesel engines and transitioning to cleaner, faster, and more reliable electric trains.

Across the United States and around the world, modern transit systems operate efficient, high-performance electric trains powered by proven catenary technology. For example, over 99% of Switzerland’s rail network is electrified using standard overhead catenary systems. Similarly, nearly all of Philadelphia’s SEPTA regional rail lines—extending deep into the suburbs—have been electrified since 1915–1938.

Nearly a century ago, the U.S. boasted more than 17,000 miles of electrified rail. The MBTA should embrace this time-tested technology, which has delivered decades of success both domestically and internationally. Investing in unproven battery-powered engines is unnecessary and premature when reliable electrification solutions already exist.