Monday, January 9, 2012
The MBTA has proposed two different service scenarios, one of which could eliminate the 60 bus route. Public meetings to be held in Jamaica Plain (Feb. 1) and Newton (Jan. 17).
Do you rely on MBTA buses to get around the Brookline area? The proposed MBTA service cuts and fare increases may affect your commute around and outside of Brookline. The MBTA has proposed two service scenarios, the first of which doesn't impact Brookline's four main bus routes: the 51, 60, 65 or 66. Scenario two suggests eliminating the 60 bus route entirely. Commuters leaving Brookline, however, may still see some impacts--such as those traveling to neighboring communities like Newton or Jamaica Plain. According to the MBTA's impact analysis, the first scenario looks to eliminate bus routes that are not meeting a "cost standard", or a cost that is greater than three times the MBTA's average net cost per customer. This scenario …
Friday, January 6, 2012
A look at how the proposed MBTA fare increases compare to other cities.
Earlier this week, the MBTA released two proposals that would raise fares on the MBTA by either 35 percent or 43 percent, in addition to some service eliminations. But how does that stack up to New York, Philadelphia or Atlanta? According to a document put together by the MBTA, Boston's proposed fare increases will push the cost of a single subway ride to be more in line with most major cities in the U.S. Some Boston fares, including a proposed $2.40 for a single subway ride on a Charlie Card, will be higher than the average. The average bus fare, though, will fall below most of what is charged around the country. To view the full chart comparing the Boston fares to other cities, click the .pdf to the right. Other comparisons: Information…
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The two scenarios would increase fares by either 35 or 43 percent.
As the MBTA struggles with a growing budget gap, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation today released two MBTA service proposals that would not only raise rates, but also include some service reductions or eliminations. According to information released on a Mass.gov blog, one scenario proposes an overall fare increase of 43 percent, while the other scenario suggests a 35 percent fare increase. The proposals look to close a projected $161 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013, the statement said. Under the first scenario (a 43 percent increase) a bus trip would go from the current $1.25 Charlie Card fare to $1.75. A rapid transit Charlie Card fare would increase from $1.70 to $2.40. Parking will also increase 28 percent. The …
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A worker who programmed the announcement system to play "Deck The Halls" was initially said to be facing a reprimand or worse. The state's transportation chief said on Tuesday morning he wouldn't be punished. But in the end, the worker was reprimanded.
UPDATE: The T worker was, in the end, reprimanded, according to Universal Hub. MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo issued this statement on Tuesday afternoon: "The employee today was reprimanded and the incident is now included in his personnel file. No further action will be taken unless such an incident happens again. This matter is closed." ~~~~~ Over the holidays, an MBTA worker displayed a bit of Christmas cheer by programming the subway announcement system to "sing" the carol "Deck The Halls." But T officials initially saw nothing funny in the halting, computerized tones that, according to a blogger who captured it on film, brought joy to commuters. The T said the worker could be reprimanded or even fired in what Universal Hub dubbed "Fa La …
Locally Involved
3:56 pm on Sunday, January 8, 2012
That's true @WallSmart! It is newer. I'll leave the observation on bus service up to you as I've not needed to take any bus service here in the DC metro area. And, your T escalators generally are working, unlike here. Guess that's DC's way of making us get our exercise. hah more ›