How about a steam locomotive.
Actually, I have on record a April 1, 2000 press release that states that Steam was to be used...
[Boston] - April 1, 2000
Greenbush Extension of T Commuter Rail to be Powered by Historic Steam Locomotives
After decades of painful negotiations, the Cellucci administration has finally found a compromise that allows commuter trains to pass through historic Hingham Square. "Many of the buildings in Hingham Center were constructed at the turn of the last century, while steam locomotives of the Old Colony Railroad traveled safely through town. Now, we are returning to the roots of this operation in a historic fashion."
The engines will be built in China, since factories there are still capable of manufacturing the locomotives, and have done so as recently as 1995. The Governor himself negotiated the contract terms during a recent trade mission to China. "Although this deal has been months in the planning, our willingness to cooperate with the Chinese people have made this dream a reality."
Of course, there will be some modifications to the design, based on the needs of the MBTA. To satisfy environmental issues, the engines will be fired using Natural Gas, rather than coal. Through a public-private partnership, locomotives will refuel near the Boston Gas facility in Dorchester, known for its brightly colored gas tanks. Also, the fueling process itself will be accomplished in a unique fashion while the trains pass by the Dorchester tanks at track speed. An individual identified only as "Charlie's Wife" will oversee the operation as the trains go rumbling through. "She is uniquely qualified for the job", added Cellucci.
Additional modifications to the locomotives include the ability to run in commuter rail 'push-pull' operation, so that the engine will not need to be turned at each end of the line. Reportedly, this may be required, as digging a turntable pit in the marshy Greenbush area of Scituate south of the driftway, would likely suffer from chronic flooding problems. Local resident "The Lady of the River" seemed satisfied with this compromise.
To match the color scheme of the rest of the MBTA fleet, the locomotives will be painted purple with yellow trim. "We think that will make for an attractive locomotive", Cellucci noted.
Although it appeared to be a win-win for all parties, this solution has caused some controversy. A union member, known simply as "Thomas" claimed that the Celluicci administration was engaging in union busting by selecting Chinese manufactured engines. Thomas, of British decent, stated, "I was unable to show the residents of Massachusetts that I am a Really Useful Engine". Union spokesman, Sir Topham Hatt was unavailable for comment.
Local steam expert George Bartholomew, former operator of the Edaville Railroad and Combres and Toltec (both of which used steam power), was called in for consultation on the project. However, he was immediately fired when he suggested that the T could save money by discontinuing the use of holding tanks for bathroom refuse, and instead allow untreated waste to empty onto the tracks. Cellucci noted that although this was a historically accurate move, "it's not a good idea."
Officials from the town of Hingham were unavailable for comment as they were stuck in traffic on the Southeast Expressway.
Similar negotiations are underway with the towns of Easton and Raynham to use alternative power for trains bound for Fall River and New Bedford. However, local and national animal rights groups are opposing the plan to haul trains through the environmentally sensitive Hocomock swamp using alligators tied to the front of the train using special harnesses.
Ed Lecuyer, of Groton Ma., Reporting
PS: Five years later and I still chuckle at the thought of purple and yellow steam engines.
phpppllppppttt! Right over on it's side! 
