The Codcast: Bus renaissance underway?

By CommonWealth Staff Mayor Marty Walsh, MBTA, Transit Matters, Transportation 0 Comments May 29, 2018

Buses aren’t as sexy as new Orange Line cars or the extension of the Green Line into Somerville and Medford. But they are a lot cheaper to buy and much easier to operate. Which is why a bus renaissance of sorts is happening – a series of initiatives that hold the promise of changing the(...)

Tracking Transportation/ Opinion

MBTA’s unfair rail fares need to change

Current prices based on 1900s-era approach

By Ari Ofsevit and Michelle Wu MBTA, Transportation 0 Comments May 26, 2018

EVERY DAY, more than 100,000 people ride the commuter rail in and around Boston, headed not just to work, but also to shop, spend time with family and friends, make medical appointments, and attend cultural or sporting events. Today more than ever, mobility across our growing region is fundamental for equitable access to jobs, healthcare,(...)

Tracking Transportation

‘A surprisingly good idea’ from the T

New, flat weekend fare offers lots of opportunities

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 25, 2018

THE MBTA may finally be starting to get it. After years and years of running weekend commuter rail trains that very few people ride, the T this week decided to do something about it. The Fiscal and Management Control Board voted to offer a special fare this summer that allows passengers to take as many(...)

Tracking Transportation

T notes: Pension costs raise concerns

Citizens Bank contract to boost interest income

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 21, 2018

MBTA OFFICIALS say they expect to hold the line on expense growth this fiscal year, but they are worried about rising pension costs and a push in the Legislature to limit the transit authority’s control over above-ground digital advertising displays near stations. Michael Abramo, the T’s chief administrator, said expenses (excluding debt costs) are expected(...)

Tracking Transportation

T approves $10 weekend commuter rail pass

Can a low fare attract more riders on Saturdays and Sundays?

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 21, 2018

TRYING TO ENTICE MORE PEOPLE to ride commuter rail on the weekends, the MBTA’s oversight board on Monday approved a new $10 weekend pass that entitles the holder to take unlimited trips on the system on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. The pass is the second part of a first-of-its-kind effort to build ridership on(...)

Gas pains

Surging gas prices give Mass even more reason to improve public transportation

By Jack Sullivan Charlie Baker, gas prices, MBTA, offshore drilling, President Trump, public transportation 0 Comments May 17, 2018

After several years of relatively agreeable gas prices, the surge has begun again and where it stops, nobody knows. The cost of a gallon of gas nationally has risen to $2.90, according to AAA, with Massachusetts prices just a tick behind at $2.89. That’s an increase of 22.6 percent from a year ago and while it’s not(...)

Gas pains

By CommonWealth Staff Charlie Baker, gas prices, MBTA, President Trump, Transportation 0 Comments May 17, 2018

Tracking Transportation

What’s shiny, smooth, and has that new car smell?

Answer: New Orange Line cars currently being tested

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 15, 2018

IT’S BEEN NEARLY 40 YEARS since the Orange Line has seen new subway cars, but that changed on Tuesday when a set of four cars made a special appearance on the test track at Wellington Station in Medford. The new cars are bright and shiny. Their ride is much smoother. And that smell – oh,(...)

Keolis adding 4 more stops at Boston Landing

Increased traffic could have implications for West Station

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 15, 2018

THE MBTA’S COMMUTER RAIL OPERATOR said that four additional trains will stop at Boston Landing Station starting Monday to accommodate increased passenger traffic, which advocates for a proposed West Station say is a positive sign of customer demand in the area. Boston Landing, located on the Framingham-Worcester Line, opened a year ago adjacent to a(...)

Tracking Transportation

T notes: Baker loves coming attractions

Agency adopts policy on paying employees with capital funds

By Bruce Mohl MBTA 0 Comments May 14, 2018

AS HE SEEKS REELECTION, one of Gov. Charlie Baker’s biggest concerns is that voters will lose patience with his efforts to turn around the MBTA. So whenever an opportunity presents itself, the governor and T officials like to offer riders previews of coming attractions. Last week it was the Green Line of the future. On(...)


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Transportation

Current prices based on 1900s-era approach

New, flat weekend fare offers lots of opportunities

Citizens Bank contract to boost interest income

Can a low fare attract more riders on Saturdays and Sundays?

Surging gas prices give Mass even more reason to improve public transportation

Answer: New Orange Line cars currently being tested

Increased traffic could have implications for West Station

Agency adopts policy on paying employees with capital funds

Current Issue