Daily Happenings from poetsareangels

BOSTON — A judge has denied a request by the losing bidder of a contract to operate the state’s commuter rail system to block the MBTA from moving forward with a new company.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Kaplan ruled Thursday that the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. failed to establish a likelihood of success on its claim that the MBTA “acted illegally or arbitrarily or capriciously” when it awarded the $2.68 billion contract to Keolis Commuter Services.

Kaplan said an injunction could harm the public interest by disrupting ongoing efforts to transfer operations by July 1.

MBCR has operated the commuter rail service since 2003. It claimed T officials coached Keolis on how to win the contract, and questioned aspects of the bid.

MBRC said it’s “deeply disappointed” and is focused on the transition of commuter rail operations to Keolis.