All articles tagged with #mbta
Several MBTA Commuter Rail trains were canceled due to issues with catenary wires and signals, affecting multiple lines including Worcester, Needham, and Haverhill, with updates ongoing as more information becomes available.
Brian Kane, head of the MBTA's oversight board, compares the transit agency to the Red Sox, highlighting a complex relationship of dependence, disappointment, and loyalty among Boston residents.
The MBTA reports a significant recovery in ridership, nearing pre-pandemic levels, with ongoing infrastructure repairs and safety improvements, and is preparing for major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, while updating service policies to enhance accessibility and staffing.
Phillip Eng, the MBTA's general manager, has significantly improved Boston's transit system over the past year, increasing reliability, ridership, and passenger satisfaction through extensive repairs and upgrades, earning him high praise from commuters and online communities.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will begin rolling out a new contactless fare collection system this summer after years of delays and budget increases. The Automated Fare Collection 2.0 system will allow payments via credit card or mobile wallets on bus and subway lines, with further expansions planned for 2025 and 2026. The project, initially estimated at $753 million, has seen costs rise to $926 million.
Three boys were stabbed during a confrontation between two groups of teenagers at the Andrew MBTA station in Boston. The victims were taken to hospitals and are expected to survive. Transit police have detained several possible suspects.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will pay CRRC an additional $148 million for new train cars, bringing the total cost of the contract to about $871 million. The project has faced severe delivery delays, quality issues, and financial challenges, leading to the need for extra funds. The new agreement aims to expedite the delivery of the remaining cars by 2027 and includes reimbursements for increased expenses, tariffs, and incentives for meeting deadlines. Despite the setbacks, the MBTA is committed to providing reliable cars for riders and is considering changes to its procurement process for future train car purchases.
Former MBTA Transit Police officer Shawn McCarthy was sentenced to four to six years in prison for raping two women while on duty in 2012. The 50-year-old will serve two years of probation and register as a sex offender after his release. The victims provided emotional statements in court, with one expressing forgiveness and the other describing the impact of the assault. The judge emphasized the importance of holding a police officer accountable for crimes committed while in uniform, and the MBTA Transit Police Chief acknowledged the survivors' courage and bravery.
Former MBTA Transit Police officer Shawn McCarthy has been sentenced to four to six years in state prison, followed by two years of probation, after being convicted of raping two women in his cruiser while on duty near the Museum of Science in 2012. The victims, who were in their early 20s at the time, were offered a joyride by McCarthy and subjected to sexual acts after he threatened not to take them back downtown until he got something out of it. McCarthy resigned from the department after being placed on administrative leave in December 2019.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will replace part of the Orange Line subway with shuttle buses for four days to conduct infrastructure upgrades as part of the Track Improvement Program, aiming to provide riders with a more reliable and safer trip. Free and accessible shuttle buses will operate between Jackson Square and Back Bay stations, with additional services to connect to the Commuter Rail and Green Line. Free fares will be available at specific stations, and the Commuter Rail will be fare-free between certain stops. The MBTA will provide additional information through in-station signage, public announcements, and on-site staff and transit ambassadors.
A westbound Green Line B-branch trolley derailed near Kenmore Station, prompting the MBTA to suspend trolley services and provide shuttle buses. No injuries were reported among the estimated 25 passengers, and service was suspended for over eight hours as engineers re-railed the trolley. The MBTA had conducted rigorous testing prior to reopening the Green Line B-branch after construction work. This incident caused frustration for riders, particularly those awaiting the return of service during construction, and the MBTA is diligently working to restore regularly scheduled service and investigate the cause.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's administration has withdrawn a $140,800 grant for seawall improvements from Milton after the town rejected the MBTA Communities Act zoning plan, putting it in violation of state law. The plan, which would have allowed for over 2,400 new housing units, was voted down by the town, leading to the loss of significant grant funding and a competitive disadvantage for future grants. The administration hopes to work with Milton on a new plan to bring the town into compliance with the law.
A pedestrian was struck by an MBTA bus at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Traveler Street in Boston's South End, sustaining life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred at 7:36 a.m., and the pedestrian, an adult male, was taken to the hospital. MBTA Transit Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A power problem is causing significant delays on the MBTA Green, Blue, and Orange lines, with trains being held at platforms for over an hour. MBTA crews are working to restore power, and passengers are advised to use alternative transportation options such as Commuter Rail and SL3 Bus service. Countdown clocks in stations may not provide real-time predictions, and the disruption is impacting MBTA stations and the signal system.
Boston Mayor Wu's administration has extended the free bus fare program on three heavily used MBTA routes – 23, 28, and 29 – until March 2026, using federal pandemic relief funds to cover the costs. The initiative, which began in March 2022, has saved riders over $6 million on more than 12 million trips and brought the routes close to pre-pandemic ridership levels. The program aims to increase reliability, efficiency, and convenience for riders, with more than half of the riders on these routes qualifying as low-income.