Sunday, May 19, 2013
The new system will provide more detailed service alert information via text and email.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is rolling out an entirely new alerts system next month which includes changes from the details provided in alert messages to a visual website enhancement. Through the new system, which goes into effect June 4, users can opt to receive email or text alerts for a late bus or train or a service interruption, much like the old system. However, the new alerts “will be clearer and more detailed with additional information regarding specific trip times, service schedule changes, and distinct directional, branch, and station communications,” according to an MBTA press statement this week. MBTA Deputy Press Secretary Kelly Smith clarifies this in an email to Patch: "It’s built around a core of …
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Google partnered with the MBTA to deliver free wireless internet to the Boston area’s largest train station.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is starting to get wired. South Station will have free wireless internet beginning today, according to a joint press release from Google, Redevelopment Ventures Corp. and the MBTA. Google invested in the endeavor and Redevelopment Ventures Corp. is responsible for WiFi development, the press release stated. “Anything that improves our customers’ transit experience is a good thing,” MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott said in the statement. “By coupling this new initiative with the WiFi service provided on Commuter Rail trains, the MBTA is keeping its customers connected from the moment they enter South Station to the time they exit trains.” Sharon's Commuter Rail is apart of the Providence/…
Monday, April 15, 2013
Some T stations in the downtown area have been temporarily suspended.
[UPDATED Monday, April 15, 5:53 p.m.] Regular T services has resumed on the MBTA's Green, Orange and Red lines as of 5:45 p.m., following at least two explosions at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. Park Street and Downtown Crossing stations have reopened. MBTA T service in downtown Boston was suspended on several lines this afternoon as emergency crews responded to the scene, according to MBTA.com. The MBTA’s Green Line service between Kenmore and Park Street stations were shut down by around 3:30 p.m., although Green Line service will continued to run between Lechmere and North Station. Both the Green Line's B and C services were temporarily suspended, and the D line was only running from Riverside to Fenway. All Green Line …
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The MBTA launched a wireless internet program at some locations and on certain cars in 2008. The transit system is now looking for a sponsor to upgrade the product at no cost to the T.
The MBTA wants to upgrade its wireless Internet service, but without spending precious tax dollars. The Boston area transit system is seeking sponsorship proposals to provide upgraded wi-fi service on commuter rail cars, ferries and select commuter rail stations, according to an MBTA press statement in early March. “The MBTA’s goal is to upgrade the current WIFI service to a system wide, state of the art standard, at no cost to the MBTA and its riders,” the statement says. The sponsorship opportunity would provide the sponsor with marketing rights such as “signage and advertising in commuter rail stations, cars and ferry facilities; corporate presence on MBTA commuter rail system maps and schedules; control of a WIFI landing page; links …
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
At the hearing, State Transportation Secretary Richard Davey outlined some aspects of Gov. Deval Patrick’s 10-year transportation budget plan, and included the need for new revenues.
The state transportation secretary answered legislator’s questions regarding the Green Line Extension and South Coast Rail projects, MBTA infrastructure and maintenance issues and how an ambitious 10-year budget plan will handle all of it. Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation Tuesday morning. He was there to more formally present Gov. Deval Patrick’s 21st Century Transportation Plan which calls for a $13 billion investment over the next decade. The hearing focused on finding new revenue that could be put toward ailing infrastructure, and sought after rail projects. “People want more, not less, of our product,” Davey began, “but the current system …
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Passes cost $100 for the quarter beginning April 1 and ending June 30. Residents are encouraged to purchase tickets early.
Quarterly parking passes for the Sharon Commuter Rail station are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, according to the Sharon town website. The passes will cover the period from April 1 through June 30. Sales will take place through a link on the town website starting Thursday. Passes cost $100 for the quarter. "We always encourage residents to purchase their quarterly passes as early as they possibly can due to limited parking spaces," the announcement stated this week. For more information, call 781-784-1525, ext. 2314. Residents who have received a parking ticket at the railroad station and have questions should contact the Sharon treasurer's office at 781-784-1500, ext. 1200.
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Franklin, Providence/Stoughton and Needham Lines are affected.
Riders of the MBTA Commuter Rail's Franklin, Providence/Stoughton and Needham lines will experience brief delays Monday morning due to downed wires, according to a report on MyFoxBoston.com. Delays of up to one hour are expected Monday morning, with MBTA officials saying the delays are a result of portions of the Amtrak's overhead wires falling down.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Riders on all lines can expect up to 30-minute delays during the evening commute.
Delays that took place on several riders of the MBTA Commuter Rail lines Monday morning will continue Monday evening due to downed Amtrak wires, according to the MBTA. The delays were caused by downed Amtrak power lines in the Forest Hills area Monday morning. The incident affected eight miles of track and the power outage cut out signal systems causing disruptions on several lines, according to an MBTA statement. Passengers on six commuter rail lines and six Amtrak trains experienced delays Monday morning, according to Boston.com. The downed overhead wire on the Amtrak line at the Forest Hills station in Hyde Park reportedly prompted officials to shut down tracks between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., according to MyFoxBoston.com. Riders during …
Sunday, December 30, 2012
All commuter rail trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule with additional service New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, and a Sunday schedule Jan. 1.
The MBTA has announced its New Year's Eve schedule. Some highlights include:
Thursday, December 27, 2012
According to figures released Wednesday, MBTA ridership increased for the 20th time in 22 months, with specific increases on subway lines.
Despite mid-year fare hikes, people continue to use the MBTA. According to figures released by Beverly Scott, general manager of the MBTA, monthly ridership increased for the 20th time in the last 22 months in November. Daily ridership for November increased by 1.3 percent over November 2011, and averaged 1.329 million passenger trips per weekday, according to an accompanying MBTA statement Wednesday. The increase “continued the MBTA’s trend of modest ridership growth despite the fare increase implemented in July,” Scott said in the statement. There was marked growth on the Red, Orange and Blue subway lines, which grew 5.6 percent in November. Originally, MBTA officials projected subway ridership to drop of 5.3 percent, the statement said…
Adrianna Graham
2:11 pm on Friday, April 19, 2013
How long is boston gunna be shut down for today? more ›