Needham Officials Hoping to Mute Train Noise

NEEDHAM, MA — The loud idling of commuter rail trains near residential areas of Needham could be a thing of the past.

Following up on residents’ complains about the overnight noise, Needham Selectmen Chairman Matthew Borrelli said the MBTA and Keolis have agreed to remove overnight storage of trains in Needham to help satisfy the noise issue.

Borrelli and Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick recently met with MBTA and Keolis officials and their state delegation to discuss issues suurounding noise, including the volumne of the train whistle.

“We've often heard when a train goes through an intersection, it’s up to the engineer’s discretion. It’s a federal mandate now, it has to be a certain amount of decibels. (The engineer) hits a button, it’s automatic, and it turns off,” Borrelli said.

Train officials told Borrelli and Fitzpatrick they are open to finding a new layover location in Needham, noting that they are aware of the residential environment around the tracks.

“They are as interested in doing it as we are and they are looking for creative solutions,” Borrelli said.

Instead of idling overnight in Needham, trains will now travel from Boston before the first trip of the day.

Image: File Photo