MBCR Posts Record Performance in February, Continues Strong Service to Customers

The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR) posted a record 94.7 percent On Time Percentage (OTP) for the MBTA commuter rail system in February, marking its best performance in the month of February since taking over rail operations and maintenance in 2003. The high level of service continues a three-month stretch of high performance, following 92.7 percent OTP in December 2011 and 93 percent OTP in January.

“MBCR is pleased to continue providing customers with a high level of service,” said Hugh J. Kiley Jr., MBCR general manager. “Credit must go to the 1,900 men and women who focus every day on the customer experience, as well as the union leadership, which has created a true partnership with management to provide excellent results for customers.”

Last month’s On Time Percentage bested the previous record established in February 2004.

Customers continue to benefit from ongoing investment into the commuter rail system and decentralized management processes that created direct oversight and accountability for each commuter rail line. These ongoing initiatives include the addition of new conductors and locomotive engineers, ongoing efforts to improve the Mechanical Department (such as an MBTA-funded initiative that allows MBCR crews to repair chassis structures on coach cars an average of nine days faster than before), and planned track work, such as construction of a second track along the Haverhill line, which allows for flexibility of trains to reduce residual delays.