Monday, May 20, 2013
The new system will provide more detailed service alert information via text and email.
The 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 released Thursday. MBTA Deputy Press Secretary Kelly Smith further explained the new system in an email to Patch: "It’s built around a core of GTFS data. GTFS, or…
Friday, April 19, 2013
The state Senate’s transportation bill includes a provision to generate income by way of subway station naming rights sales, and voted against an amendment proposed by state Sen. Mike Rush.
AT&T Station, Verizon Crossing and Bank of America Station. What if these station names replaced some of Boston's transit stations. Or what if it were the Dunkin' Donuts Commuter Rail Station? In passing the state Senate’s $800 million transportation package, lawmakers approved an amendment that could lead to sale of naming rights for MBTA subway and commuter rail stations, according to MyFoxBoston.com. “While I am disappointed my proposed amendment was not adopted, which aimed to postpone an increase in the gas tax until a full review of the MBTA had been conducted, I realized that inaction was not an option,” said state Sen. Mike Rush, D-Norfolk/Suffolk. “Many of my constituents in the Norfolk and Suffolk district rely on public …
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The T is running close to normal Wednesday, but Copley Station remains closed.
A 12-block downtown triangle continues to be closed to the public following the Marathon Monday bombings.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Normal Green, Orange and Red line service resumed with 'significant residual delays' late Monday following the explosions at the Boston Marathon.
The Green Line's Copley station will remain closed on Tuesday following Monday's bombing at the Boston marathon finish line. All other regular T service has resumed on the MBTA's Green, Orange and Red lines, effective around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, according to MBTA.com. Park Street and Downtown Crossing stations have reopened. MBTA T service in downtown Boston was suspended on several lines Monday afternoon as emergency crews responded to the scene in Copley Square where two explosions occurred shortly after 2 p.m. The MBTA’s Green Line service between Kenmore and Park Street stations was shut down around 3:30 p.m. Monday, although Green Line service continued to run between Lechmere and North Station. Both the Green Line's B and C services…
Friday, April 5, 2013
The $1 billion contract to operate the Boston’s commuter rail system is the largest contract in state history.
One company might soon stand alone in a bidding race for a $1 billion commuter rail transit service contract. Keolis America Inc. is reportedly ready to drop out of the bidding because the MBTA is withholding key information including labor costs, according to Boston.com Thursday. The only other group to submit a bid, Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail, already operates the system. A Keolis official has accused MBTA of withholding information on purpose to force them to back out, according to Boston.com. Keolis has set a deadline of Friday, according to the story. Over 70,000 riders use the commuter rail every day. A Mass Bay Commuter Rail spokesman told Boston.com they have supplied Keolis with 10 gigabytes of information on the system, …
Monday, April 1, 2013
The number of MBTA fare evaders caught this year is slightly less than over the same period last year.
If you’ve ever thought about jumping those MBTA gates to catch a bus, it’s likely you’ll get hit with a fine for evading the fare. MBTA police have issued 1,231 evasion citations system wide so far in 2013, as of Monday, according to MBTA detective Richard Sullivan. Over the same period last year, the MBTA issued 1,267 citations. The fine for a first-time fare evader is $50, according to Sullivan; future offenses could be as high as $500, according to the law. Operation Fare Game, the MBTA’s initiative to enforce fare laws on the T, from time to time leads to arrests. Christian Fitzgerald, 23, of Roxbury was arrested March 22 after he attempted to dodge a fare at Downtown Crossing by entering through the exit-only gate, according to a …
Thursday, March 28, 2013
The number of MBTA fare evaders caught this year is slightly less than over the same period last year.
If you’ve ever thought about jumping those MBTA gates to catch a bus, it’s likely you’ll get hit with a fine for evading the fare. MBTA police have issued 1,231 evasion citations system wide so far in 2013, as of Monday, according to MBTA detective Richard Sullivan. Over the same period last year, the MBTA issued 1,267 citations. The fine for a first-time fare evader is $50, according to Sullivan; future offenses could be as high as $500, according to the law. Operation Fare Game, the MBTA’s initiative to enforce fare laws on the T, from time to time leads to arrests. Christian Fitzgerald, 23, of Roxbury was arrested March 22 after he attempted to dodge a fare at Downtown Crossing by entering through the exit-only gate, according to a …
Sunday, March 24, 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 …
Thursday, March 14, 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 legislators' questions regarding the Green Line Extension, the South Coast Rail project, MBTA infrastructure, 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 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 we have …
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
In the aftermath of a Saturday night attack on a bus driver in Dorchester that involved up to 15 assailants, the Boston Carman's Union wants to make it possible for police to arrest suspects in such cases without a warrant.
The president of the MBTA operator’s union is calling for increased efforts on part of police, prosecutors and lawmakers in the wake of a 15-person attack on a bus driver in Dorchester Saturday. Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589 John Lee said in a statement published on the union’s website March 10 that such attacks deserve immediate attention by state lawmakers. “The Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 is relieved and thankful that the Bus Driver, attacked in the early morning hours, was not more seriously injured,” the statement said. “However this assault by a reported mob on an isolated Local 589 member simply doing his job illustrates the need for public safety officials and the legislature to act quickly before a transit worker is …
