How's Commuter Rail Service, Cost for West Roxbury? MBTA Evaluating Fares
New MBTA GM Beverly Scott spoke about the T's finances, relationships with bicyclists, as well as the commuter rail.
What are your thoughts on the cost of taking the commuter rail in West Roxbury? The New MBTA general manager answered questions about the commuter rail through the Parkway area with WBUR.
Beverly Scott did specifically address the Needham line, which has two stops in West Roxbury. But she spoke specifically in the Q&A with WBUR's Radio Boston (listen to the interview attached to this article) on Wednesday about why the commuter rail costs so much for the Parkway area.
Here's the question from jefe68 on radioboston.wbur.org:
“Why does it cost $173 a month to go 4 stops from Hyde Park to South Station? The zoning of the Commuter rail needs to be overhauled help the people in this area and Roslindale. People live father out in Newton and pay less for T service than the residents in Hyde Park. The only service we have out in Hyde Park are buses, some of which are a nightmare (32), and the Commuter rail which is way over priced for due to the wacky zoning. All of Boston should be in the same zone!”
Here is Scott's reply:
The MBTA is engaged with stakeholders in the Hyde Park and Roslindale areas as well as all along the Fairmount Line. Re-evaluating fare policy on this line is under review by the MBTA. Our goal with any changes would be to increase ridership and ensure equity for passengers system wide. The opening of three new stations on the Fairmount Line presents a great opportunity to consider alternatives to today’s structure.
So what do you think of the commuter rail cost for West Roxbury? And how's the service?
Laurence Kranich
7:58 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
When I moved to Roslindale in the 90's, a commuter rail pass cost about 30% more than a subway and bus pass. I frequently bought the rail pass because the train was more comfortable, there was no change at Forest Hills, and it saved me about 5 minutes on each trip. Now, the benefits are the same, but the cost difference is a whopping 150%! I haven't been on the commuter rail in years, and I'm shocked that anyone in Roslindale, West Roxbury, or Hyde Park pays those prices.
AJ
9:15 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
It is overpriced, especially since there is no weekend service and does not run late. Either cut the price down or extend the hours and days.
S W
1:16 pm on Friday, March 1, 2013
She certainly likes to throw those key words out there...that meant absolutely nothing and it did not answer the question. Typical Patrick administration hack!