Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Plans for Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Plans for Battery Electric Trains on Fairmount Commuter Rail Line 

$54 million agreement to advance acquisition of battery electric trains; Fairmount will be first Commuter Rail line in Massachusetts to provide 100 percent electric train service    

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Keolis Vice President of Asset Management John Killeen joined community leaders and stakeholders at Morton Street station in Mattapan to celebrate the $54 million plan to bring battery-electric train service to the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line, which will ultimately result in more frequent service and lower emissions in surrounding communities.   

In July 2024, the MBTA Board of Directors approved of Keolis’s innovative plan to introduce battery-electric multiple unit trains (BEMUs) onto the Fairmount Line.    

“Today we are one step closer to meeting our goal of operating a fully electric commuter rail system in our state, which is critical for our climate, for our residents, and for our future,” said Governor Healey. “The Fairmount Line – from South Station to Dorchester to Mattapan to Hyde Park – will be the first Commuter Rail line in Massachusetts to provide 100 percent electric train service.  We know how big of a win this is for local residents and stakeholders who have been advocating for this for years, and we are grateful to be able to invest in and build momentum around achieving safe, reliable, sustainable transportation for all of our residents.”    

“This is a historic achievement for transit users who will get faster travel times, more frequent and reliable trains, and better access to the jobs, medical facilities, and opportunities in downtown Boston," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “As an administration, we share a vision of clean, safe, equitable transportation for all, and we are now making that a reality and putting our environmental justice communities first.”   

These types of trains will provide faster, quieter, more reliable service with notably less air pollution in the environmental justice corridor served by the Fairmount Line. With approval from the MBTA Board of Directors, the MBTA and Keolis can now finalize the details of the contract, including a timeline for service to begin. It is anticipated that trains would run every 20 minutes on weekdays. Subject to the procurement process, the first train is expected to enter service on the Fairmount Line in early 2028.    

“Today is the dawning of a new age for the MBTA, a milestone moment as the T prepares to begin operating the first of what will be dozens of new battery-electric locomotives,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The neighborhoods along the Fairmount Line corridor are being prioritized for these clean energy trains and better health and well-being will be the result for the people who live in these Environmental Justice Communities.”   

“This is an exciting moment for the Fairmount Line and the communities that we serve as we utilize new battery electric technology to bring about transformational upgrades that will have long lasting benefit for generations to come,” said General Manager Phillip Eng. “Understanding that billions of dollars are needed to fully electrify our entire system, we are proud to find a way to bring electrification to this corridor sooner within available fund sources. This work will help inform us as we strive to improve and decarbonize our service on all of our regional rail network. I thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt for her contributions as we make progress toward our climate goals. The MBTA’s Rail Modernization and Railroad Operations team in partnership with Keolis are committed to fulfilling the goals of the many stakeholders and community members who have advocated for these improvements for decades. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and robust rail service that the public can rely on.”  

“Electrification is the future for more reliable MBTA service and healthier communities, and after years of advocacy, I’m excited to see this happening on the Fairmount Line,” said City of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. “This investment in more frequent Commuter Rail service with lower emissions is a win-win for the local Boston community, and we’re ready as a city to work with the MBTA and the Commonwealth on this innovation.”  

BEMU trains use hybrid power with an onboard battery that charges when overhead catenary wires are available, such as at South Station. The trains can then run on battery power. Because they are electric, these trains emit less air pollution and reduce energy consumption. BEMU trains also provide passengers with smoother rides, more space, and a modernized commuting experience. Additionally, BEMUs operate a quieter service, significantly reducing noise and vibration for passengers and residents adjacent to the route, yards, and maintenance facility.   

“We are thrilled that the MBTA and the Healey Administration have placed their trust in Keolis to oversee this historic project to electrify the Fairmount Line,” said General Manager and CEO of Keolis Commuter Services Abdellah Chajai. “The community has been essential in getting this project started, and we’re looking forward to bringing decarbonized services to Dorchester.”   

With the agreement in place, Keolis will act as a Project Delivery Partner (PDP) to manage the new decarbonized fleet, additional power and charging infrastructure, and a new light maintenance facility. The PDP approach is split into two phases, beginning first with the preparation phase to design and develop procurement documents and following with the delivery phase to project manage and integrate the BEMU fleet.    

The Fairmount Commuter Rail Line is the shortest of the Commuter Rail Lines, with nine stations (including South Station and Readville). As of April 2024, the line carries approximately 3,200 passengers per day. Battery-electric service will save 1.6 million gallons of fuel and mitigate 17,700 tons of carbon dioxide per year compared to diesel.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $2.6 Million for Re-Entry Workforce Development Grants to Train Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $2.6 Million for Re-Entry Workforce Development Grants to Train Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Program participants receive on-the-job training from local organizations in industries such as clean energy, hospitality, and manufacturing

 

NEW BEDFORD - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $2.6 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration grants awarded to 11 organizations to train 365 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the workforce for job opportunities in culinary, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare.

 

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones joined state and local officials, grantees, and workforce partner organizations to make the announcement at Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc (PAACA) in New Bedford. PAACA received $250,000 to provide training to 20 returning citizens with a focus on Health Care and Addiction Treatment Services. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as community health workers, recovery specialists, recovery coaches, recovery counselors, peer navigators, and outreach workers at High Point Treatment Center and Seven Hills Foundation.

 

“As an administration, we want to ensure individuals re-entering our communities gain relevant skills and experiences to thrive in today’s workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The partnerships reflected in each of these grants with public safety, employers, and workforce training organizations are opening doors for individuals deserving of a second chance and an opportunity to pursue career pathways right here in Massachusetts.”

 

“We are committed to strengthening our workforce by reducing barriers individuals may experience to build skills and a career,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Through this Re-Entry Workforce Development grant program, we are teaming up with collaborators across many regions to deliver critical job training and skill development that will benefit jobseekers, employers, and local communities.”

 

This latest round of Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Grants Program was funded by Fiscal Year 2024 grant funding through the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency within EOLWD. This grant program, which received continued funds in the FY25 budget, aims to improve workforce outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration.

 

“As the Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to invest in a more competitive and equitable workforce, our strategy needs to lead with intentionality and people first,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Building on our administration’s workforce agenda, these announced grants will support a key population of untapped talent—formerly incarcerated individuals who deserve a second or third chance supported by targeted job training, wraparound support, and employment opportunities that reduces barriers, breaks the cycle of incarceration, and empowers personal and professional success for Massachusetts residents.”

 

“Creating meaningful and lasting job opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals is crucial for their successful reintegration into society and reducing repeat offenses,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Workforce training grants aim to connect returning individuals with essential community support, enabling them to acquire valuable skills for in-demand jobs, improving outcomes and empowering participants to lead positive and fulfilling lives. These programs not only offer individuals a second chance but also help to build stronger, more resilient communities.”

 

“By partnering with Massachusetts employers dedicated to growing our diverse and skilled talent, this funding furthers inclusive employment in Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO for Commonwealth Corporation. “CommCorp applauds these 11 grantees for creating pathways to success for incarcerated individuals, and for working to reduce recidivism across the state.”

 

The following is a complete list of the organizations awarded Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants for Fiscal Year 2024:

 

Bridge Club of Greater Lowell, Lowell: $250,000

Bridge Club of Greater Lowell will partner with Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 30 returning citizens with a focus on the Culinary Arts industry and Manufacturing industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks at Lenzi’s Catering and warehouse workers, machine operators and package handlers at Spruce Environmental.

 

Community Action of Pioneer Valley, Greenfield: $165,000

Community Action of Pioneer Valley will partner with Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 18 returning citizens with a focus on the culinary industry and Manufacturing industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks and production workers at High Brow, Local Burger, Herrell’s Fitzwilly’s, and Franklin County CDC Food Processing Center.

 

Community Work Services, Boston: $250,000

Community Work Services will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 60 returning citizens with a focus on the Clean Energy Technology industry and the Culinary Arts/Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as solar photovoltaic installers, electrical power analysts, terraponics farm to table workers and hotel hospitality managers at Nexamp and Finesse Hospitality.

 

Future Home Apprenticeship and Recovery Programs, Inc., Dorchester: $244,464

Future Home Apprenticeship and Recovery Programs, Inc will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 48 returning citizens with a focus on the Building Trades industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as skilled laborers, roofers, painters and carpenters at Cross Country Painting, Inc., Build Better 55, LLC., Legacy Estates, Inc., and Harvey’s Professional Painting Company.

 

New England Culinary Arts Training, Boston: $249,593

New England Culinary Arts Training will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 88 returning citizens with a focus on the Food Services and Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as line cooks, prep cooks, sous chefs and first-line food prep supervisors at Tatte Bakery, Sodexo, Hilton Boston Park Plaza and Earls Kitchen and Bar. 

 

Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc., New Bedford: $250,000

Positive Action Against Chemical Addictions, Inc will partner with Bristol County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Addiction Treatment Services industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as community health workers, recovery specialists, recovery coaches, recovery counselors, peer navigators and outreach workers at High Point Treatment Center and Seven Hills Foundation.

 

Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester: $239,216

Quinsigamond Community College will partner with Worcester County House of Correction to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Culinary and Hospitality industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as food preparation workers at SnapChef and MA Restaurant Association members.

 

Snapchef Foundation, Dorchester: $219,626

Snapchef Foundation will partner with Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 18 returning citizens with a focus on the culinary industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as cooks at SnapChef and Southside Tavern Restaurant. 

 

STRIVE Boston, Boston: $250,000

STRIVE Boston will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Social Assistance industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as security workers, patient transport workers, food and environmental service workers, direct and relief positions and therapeutic mentors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Justice Resource Institute, Inc.

 

Uncornered, Dorchester: $250,000

Uncornered will partner with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 20 returning citizens with a focus on the Health Care and Social Service industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as social and human service assistants at Uncornered and at Inner City Weightlifting.

 

WeReach, East Boston: $250,000

WeReach will partner with Essex County Sheriff’s Office to offer a training program to 23 returning citizens with a focus on the Information Technology industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in roles as cybersecurity support technicians and computer support specialists at Roads Consulting Group, Boston Project, DPV Transportation and Assura, Inc.

Statements of support

"The Department of Labor grant funding made available through Commonwealth Corp has allowed PAACA to positively impact the lives of dozens of returning citizens. Impacts such as job training and placement, supportive services and stable housing. All of which benefits the individual but the Commonwealth as a whole as stable employment and housing leads to a reduction in recidivism." – PAACA Chief Executive Officer Carl Alves.

“NECAT appreciates being selected as a returning Commonwealth Corporation Re-Entry Grant recipient. We've seen the positive impact that the stipend disbursements have had on our eligible program participants by encouraging them to meet and exceed their goals. We are humbled to be able to help these returning citizens remove barriers and move forward with their lives. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue participating in the Commonwealth Corporation Re-Entry Implementation Learning Community. As members, we have been able to learn from our colleagues in the field and share our insights and promising re-entry practices, too. Thank you, Commonwealth Corporation, for continuing to believe in NECAT’s mission. With your support, we’re continuing to unlock the full potential of returning citizens and help them on a path to reintegration, competitive employment, and self-sufficiency through our culinary training and wellness.” - NECAT Executive Director J-D Garcia

“Funding for these types of workforce training programs through Re-Entry grants enable us to provide vital skills and training necessary for returning citizens to be successful and self-sufficient, providing a pathway to a better life. This not only helps the individual person, it also bolsters our economy locally and statewide.”- Quinsigamond Community College President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D.

新調查顯示麻州是全美最宜居州

               (Boston Orange編譯) 一份新調查報告稱，2024年的美國最好的居住地方，麻州第一名。

              WalletHub個人財務網站12日公佈，根據可負擔性，經濟、教育、健康及生活品質等5項評估標，”2024年最佳居住州排行榜”，把麻州列為全美50州的第一名。

              在這5項標準中，麻州的得分是可負擔性44分，經濟15分，健康及教育1分，生活品質6分，安全度7分。

              WalletHub分析師Cassandra Happe在報告中表示，”做決定要搬到哪兒去時，人們首先會考慮財務因素，例如生活成本，房屋價格，以及有玫工作機會等。許多州經濟強勁，但是人們必須考慮很多其他的廣泛條件，例如某個地方對個人健康怡安全的影響，哪兒有自己喜歡的活動。如果有小孩，蓬勃的教育系統的重要考量。

              排名次於麻州的依序為佛羅里達州、新澤西州、猶他州、新罕布夏州。紐英崙地區只有麻州和新罕布夏州擠入前10名的排名榜。路易斯安那州、新墨西哥州、阿肯薩州、阿拉斯加州、內華達州等敬陪末座。

紐英崙中華專攜手建中校友會夏日野餐 鹽酥雞飄香

紐英崙中華專業人員協會 (NEACP) 和建中校友會、臺美菁英會 (TAP)波士頓分會攜手辦野餐會。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長游子揚 (右三)、會長盧彥君(左三)、
曾任專協董事長的蔣宗壬(左二)與創業家妻子史美芳(左一)歡迎嘉賓，
波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(中)，科技組組長蔡孟勳(右二)、波士頓僑教
中心主任潘昭榮到會。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 紐英崙中華專業人員協會 (NEACP) 和建中校友會、臺美菁英會 (TAP)波士頓分會攜手，8月10日在麻州牛頓市Auburndale Cove舉辦夏日燒烤。七、八十名出席者中有許多新面孔，還幾乎一半是年輕人，現場青春氣息洋溢。       

             中華專協的歷任董事長蔣宗壬、蔡明機、周萬欽，建中校友會的康紹和、王子仁、程中林、劉建靖，北一女校友會創始會長趙小怡，以及薛正璇，許聰玲等前輩，這天和老朋友敘舊，和年輕人交流，謂嘆時光荏苒之際，喜見後輩茁壯。

波士頓建中校友會老中青數代同堂。右一為專協現任會長盧彥君，
左一為專協前會長林致中，左二翁卓毅，左四起為劉建靖，
建中會長鄭新霖、程中林、康紹和，右二為科技組組長蔡孟勳。(周菊子攝)

              中華專協董事長暨麻州大學羅爾分校土木教授游子揚致詞時開懷地感謝會長盧彥君和前會長林致中，以及一眾幹事，分工合作努力，把烤肉活動辦得那麼成功。

創立於1978年的中華專協近年致力傳承，努力年輕化，從2019年開始邀年輕人當會長，逐漸全面降低幹事群組年齡層。

紐英崙中華專協幹部群，左到右：林致中 ，蔡孟勳，游子揚，黃顗蓉，
盧彥君， 蘇信豪， 蔡景全，連韻婷，黃彥鈞，林璇、方人弘。(周菊子攝)

                      今年的中華專協野餐會，就全由年輕幹部群籌畫，包括麻省理工學院史隆商學院學生黃顗蓉，藥學系學生蔡景全，麻省理工博士後方人弘，生醫器材業黃彥鈞，以電腦科學做公益服務的連韻婷，在波士頓諮詢顧問工作的林璇，這天負責拍照的夏承賢，專協的前後任會長林致中、盧彥君等人，都是40歲以下的年輕才俊。

2000年代中期落腳波士頓的中華專協董事兼數學系教授蘇信豪，和中華專協現任董事長游子揚，早年畢業於麻省理工學院的翁卓毅等人作為中生代，頓成承先啟後的最佳橋樑。

右起，趙小怡、史美芳，薛正璇。(周菊子攝)

                         這天來參加野餐活動的年輕人，包括台大校友會前後任會長李佳蓉、黃楷智，波音旺來音樂會創辦人顧宗浩、楊智晴等，有不少人已是或曾任波士頓僑團負責人。

正在麻省理工學院研修電機工程博士的陳孟圻，去年在波士頓臺僑活動中掀起車輪餅熱，這天自備器具、食材，現場烹制鹽酥雞的把臺灣味帶到波士頓，再度讓人驚豔。

左向右，史美芳、蔣宗壬、蔡明機夫婦，周萬欽、許聰玲。

              駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，科技組組長蔡孟勳，即將於8月下旬調任返臺的波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，這天都是應邀的嘉賓。

              廖朝宏處長表示，中華專協成立40餘年來，歷經前董事長周萬欽，甫卸任波士頓僑務委員的蔣宗壬等人一棒一棒傳承，在海外支持中華民國政府，駐外辦事處，服務的熱心感人，相信專協將持續展現新氣象。也盼專協繼續和經文處合作。

陳孟圻自備器材，現場炸鹽酥雞。(周菊子攝)

              蔡孟勳組長目前兼顧東西兩岸的科技組，過去這二年經常來回飛。他透露今後會留更多時間在波士頓，盼眾人看到可和臺灣合作的好項目，都能和他連繫。

建中校友會會長，現為神經內科醫師的鄭新霖致詞時指出，包括前後任會長在內，中華專協有多名董事是建中校友，兩會有如兄弟，近年總一起辦活動，這次還把北一女校友會都邀來共襄盛舉，將來的聚會，勢必更熱鬧。

中華專協會長盧彥君會末預告，中華專協訂10月6日舉辦年會，將以生醫為主題，邀請是臺灣生技四大天王之一，OPKO (潤惠生技)創始人兼董事長的許照惠主講。 (更新版)

波士頓僑界急難救助協會邀專家闡述「焦慮101」

波士頓僑界急難救助協會舉辦「焦慮101」線上講座。

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓僑界急難救助協會8月10日以「焦慮101」為主題，請3名專業人士闡述焦慮是什麼，對人的心理、生理，以及生活可能造成什麼影響，如何改善。

波士頓僑界急難救助協會會長林麗珠。

波士頓僑界急難救助協會會長林麗珠為講座請到3名講者，家庭醫學科專科護理師暨心理諮商師林思妤，持德州諮商心理師執照，專長結合神經科學來紓緩抑鬱、焦慮等情緒行為問題的吳欣純，以及在讀Lesley大學，專攻戲劇治療和舞蹈/動作治療的劉姮秀。

              波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮在會中感謝林麗珠等人熱心救助大波士頓地區急難事故，籲請眾人在他8月15日卸任後，支持下一位僑教中心高家富主任。

              林思妤、吳欣純、劉姮秀在會中分別闡述了焦慮症的症狀，如何檢測，評估，對身心及生活可能造成什麼影響，有哪些治療或管理方法等。

家庭醫學科專科護理師暨心理諮商師林思妤。

              她們指出，焦慮是身體天生的保護機制，平衡著大腦與身心。呼吸短促，思緒飛馳，煩躁，不安，疲勞，無法集中精神，易怒，迴避事務，睡眠有障礙，容易恐慌等都是症狀。一旦焦慮超出身心靈所能承受幅度，個人的生理、身體、情緒、精神及社交都會受影響。

持德州諮商心理師執照，專長結合神經科學來紓緩抑鬱、焦慮等情緒行為問題的吳欣純。

              林思妤展示的”廣泛性焦慮症量表 (GAD-7)”，吳欣純拿出的笑臉表情包圖表，耶魯大學的情緒量表 (Mood Meter) ，都可用做評估焦慮的簡易參考。

              她們3人還闡述了焦慮的治療，管理，有認知行為，表達藝術，運動舞蹈，以及整合治療等療法。林思妤也簡述SSRI， SNRI，Benzodiazepina等血清素精神藥物的作用與優缺點，並指出通常臨床診治和使用藥物會雙管齊下，但服藥一般要二到三星期，才見效，用藥者須有點耐心。吳欣純、劉姮秀接著帶出席者做了些防治焦慮演練。

在讀Lesley大學，專攻戲劇治療和舞蹈/動作治療的劉姮秀，

                      林麗珠指出，近年來，全世界遭受新冠病毒，氣候變遷等衝擊，心理健康議題備受重視。該會計畫將來籌辦更多這類講座，助人紓緩焦慮。

              

一般人可用來自我檢測的焦慮症量表。

吳欣純建議各人可以自己從頭到腳的檢視一下有沒哪兒可能是
焦慮引起的不舒服。

中華表演藝術基金會夏日系列音樂會 - 駱奇偉、徐小培雙鋼琴演奏 (謝開明攝影專輯)