MBTA Fines Company That Runs Commuter Rail System For Delays

BOSTON (AP) — MBTA officials are fining the French company that operates Massachusetts' commuter rail system more than $434,000 after nearly two-thirds of trains were late or canceled during the heavy snows that pounded the region in February.

The MBTA said Keolis International had an "on time performance" rate of roughly 35 percent last month. They said the poor performance warranted the maximum fine allowed.

Read: Commuter Rail Restoration Plan

Keolis disputed the fine, describing the unprecedented snowfall as act of nature out of their control that resulted in the suspension of service, train delays, and train cancellations.

Keolis CEO Bernard Tabary last week apologized for the breakdowns and delays that have plagued the system during the snowiest month on record for the Boston area.

MBTA officials said Keolis is aware that their recovery plan will be under intense scrutiny.