Snow-crippled Massachusetts commuter rail system to return to full service by March 30

The head of the company that operates Massachusetts' snow-crippled commuter rail system says full service should be restored by the end of March.

Keolis International CEO Bernard Tabary says a plan approved by Gov. Charlie Baker will have the commuter rail system operating at 78 percent capacity by Friday, with the goal of full service by March 30.

Baker met with Keolis officials on Thursday.

Also Thursday, state lawmakers grilled Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and state transportation officials about the transit system breakdowns and delays that have angered and frustrated commuters during the severe winter weather.

The informational hearing called by a Senate committee comes one day after the board that oversees the MBTA named state highway director Frank DePaola (duh-POW'-luh) interim general manager of the Boston-area transit system.