MBTA Cuts Threaten Vital Transformation Efforts
The MBTA is facing an up to $600 million shortfall that means that we could be facing catastrophic service cuts and years-long delays in planned capital projects
MBTA Will Boost Train Service to Lynn and Brockton
Commuter rail trains will run less frequently on many lines during the morning and evening peaks and more frequently in the middle of the day starting in November under a schedule change the MBTA unveiled Monday.
Multifamily Migration Route Leads to Lynn
Sprawling waterfront development parcels and a transit-friendly downtown have proven to be powerful lures for projects in Lynn, attracting institutional investors and interest from national developers.
MBTA Expands Low-Fare Lynn Commuter Rail Pilot
Commuter rail passengers will be able to travel between Lynn and Boston at the same price as a subway ride through the end of 2020 under a pilot program extension the MBTA announced Thursday.
Hot Property: Ornsteen Heel Property
The Haverhill city council this month authorized the $1 million sale of a 4.8-acre parcel on the Merrimack River for a transit-oriented development.
Here’s How the MBTA Could Transform its Commuter Trains in 10 Years
The MBTA should focus its initial efforts to transform its commuter rail network on lines that connect Downtown Boston, Beverly, Providence and Mattapan, a prominent transit advocacy group says.
South Coast Rail Could Help Ease Housing Crisis
The new South Coast line and it’s 90-minute end-to-end journey will suddenly open up the region’s mix of outer suburbs, old industrial cities and rural towns – and their significantly lower home and condo prices.
Newton to Add Bus Lines from Green Line to Business District
The MBTA’s bus lines may have hardly changed since the days of streetcars, but that’s not stopping the city of Newton from trying to expand mass transit access to one of its largest business districts.
MBTA Expands Service on Boston Line Seeing New Development
Fairmount Line passengers will have access to eight more trips per weekday and will be able to tap CharlieCards to board core stations starting this spring under a new pilot program.
A Road Map to Revitalizing Downtown Fitchburg
Francisco Torres is working with Fitchburg to restore vitality and bring more foot traffic to its downtown, helping potential retail tenants seek lease subsidies and providing developers with advice on converting vacant buildings into housing.
Human Error Caused ‘Upright Derailment’ on Major MBTA Line
The MBTA warned commuters of delays on one of its commuter lines this morning because of a “slow speed” derailment Thursday afternoon.
Generational Investments in Mass Transit Needed
Last week’s disheartening string of breakdowns on the Orange Line offered a rude reminder that, despite lots of hard work over the last five years, we’re still a long way off from a fully functional transit system.
New Pioneer Valley Train Service Sets Ridership Record
A commuter rail line service that connects Connecticut and Massachusetts communities in the Connecticut River Valley and beyond attracted record ridership during Thanksgiving weekend.
Mayors, Muni Leaders Back 15-Cent Gas Tax Hike
Dozens of Boston-area municipal leaders on Wednesday endorsed new or expanded transportation revenue options, including a 15-cent increase in the state’s 24-cent per gallon gas tax, as House lawmakers approach a vote on the topic.
Baker Leans on Go-Slow Analysis of Commuter Rail Revamp
State Sen. Will Brownsberger, who served on the committee that analyzed commuter rail revamp options for the MBTA, believes that not every rail line has enough customer demand to support all-day service every 15 to 20 minutes.
Rail Visions Leave Question: Who Will Pay?
Two elected officials and two transportation advocates who studied potential commuter rail changes endorsed a $28.9 billion plan on Monday to transform the system, setting up a key decision for the MBTA – and the legislature that would foot the bill – on how to proceed.
Everett, Boston, Lynn Mayors Plead for Faster, Cheaper Commuter Rail
Their specific requests varied, but the roughly half-dozen mayors and state lawmakers who addressed the MBTA’s oversight board Monday all echoed a common theme: that expanding service and connectivity on the commuter rail will bring significant benefits for the riding public, regardless of costs.
How Frequent, Electrified Commuter Rail Can Help Solve Boston’s Traffic Woes
The Massachusetts economy and population both continue to grow, but our underperforming transportation system is a major risk to our economic future. To fix this, we need a high-quality, appropriately priced, modern approach to commuter rail service.
Poll Tests Voter Appetite for Transit Fixes, Funding Sources
A majority of residents want to see significant improvements to the commuter rail system, but they also believe the costs should not be passed along to riders in the form of higher fares or an increased gas tax, according to a new poll.
To Preserve Our Sanity and Economy, Make Worcester Line a Frequent, All-Day Option
As we brace for more than a decade of massive construction on the Mass. Pike, let’s make our whole transportation system part of the solution. The time to invest in improved service on the Worcester Line and transit on the Grand Junction right-of-way is now.
