MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board Approves Pilot Policy; Foxborough Awaits Decision on Local Train Service

As Foxborough waits to hear the fate of the proposed commuter rail pilot program, the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board has approved a new policy for similar programs.

The board recently approved a Transit Service Policy, which establishes a process by which new pilot proposals will be evaluated, according to a press release. Pilots will be accepted on an annual schedule and must include performance goals as well as cost and ridership estimates, along with metrics to determine success.

Following the pilot, the board will vote on whether to continue the service.

The vote comes as the Foxborough pilot remains on the table. If approved by the FMCB, the town and MBTA will conduct an 11-month pilot which will see roundtrip commuter rail service from the platform at Gillette Stadium to South Station in Boston. After the pilot, a determination will be made on whether to make the service permanent.

No decision has been made by the FMCB on the Foxborough pilot.

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