MASSACHUSETTS BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

MBTA Press Releases

The MBTA Continues Accessibility Program At Coolidge Corner Station

T Board Takes Steps To Expedite Procurement of Commuter Rail Customer Information System

MBTA Announces Service to Foxboro For The New England Patriot's Games

MBTA's "Night Owl" Service To Begin September 7th

New Subway Cars for the MBTA's Blue Line

MBTA Announces Student Reduced Fare Ridership Program

175 Low- Floor, Low-Emission Buses To be Procured For MBTA Fleet

T Property Goes To City Of Boston For Multiple Uses

MBTA To Conduct Vision Workshops

MBTA Preliminary 2002 Service Plan

MBTA To Hold Public Meeting In Easton To Discuss Proposed New Bedford/Fall River Project

MBTA Continues Accessibility Program On The B Branch of the Green Line

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Release Date:2001-07-12 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com The MBTA Continues Accessibility Program At Coolidge Corner Station The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will begin construction work at Coolidge Corner Station the week of July 16, 2001, as part of the ongoing Green Line Accessibility Program. The work involves the reconstruction of the inbound and outbound platforms. The MBTA has coordinated this project with the town of Brookline and anticipates completion in fall 2001, at which time the station will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Please take note of the following adjustments that will take place: - Commuters will be directed to board and exit Green Line trains from temporary inbound and outbound platforms - A limited number of parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable to allow for a construction work zone Thank you for your patience and understanding during this construction period. Please contact (617) 222-4901 with any questions/comments that you may have.

Release Date:2001-08-10 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com T Board Takes Steps To Expedite Procurement of Commuter Rail Customer Information System All MBTA commuter rail passengers will soon be able to be kept up-to-the-minute on changes in train service and schedules thanks to the MBTA Board of Directors' approval today of the installation contract for variable message display boards, to be installed at 64 commuter rail stations. Variable message board signs have already been installed at the T's other commuter rail stations. The board directed staff to prioritize the work and provide regular updates to ensure work is completed by the end of the year. "With the installation of these electronic signs by the end of the year, the T will be able to live up to its commitment to improve customer information at every commuter rail station," stated Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and Chairman of the MBTA Board of Directors Kevin J. Sullivan. "More importantly, the system allows our commuter rail customers to get the information they need about any service delays or changes to the schedule," added MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. "This is a great improvement in customer service." The new information system will allow the T to send service updates to customers from a single location and check on the system, station by station, to make sure it is working properly. When installation of the new signs is completed in December 2001, T commuter rail customers can be kept informed about service changes, fare and pass sales, and other information. The MBTA commuter rail system serves 130,000 one-way trips each day from 123 stations on 13 lines.

Release Date:2001-08-27 00:00:00 E-Mail:feedback@mbta.com MBTA Announces Service to Foxboro For The New England Patriot's Games MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. is pleased to announce the commuter rail schedule to the New England Patriot's Games. There will be added commuter rail service departing South and Providence Stations going to Foxboro, making convenient stops along the way. Trains will depart Foxboro Stadium 30 minutes after the game is over. The following is the commuter Games Starting at 12:30 P.M. & 1:00 P.M. Depart South Station: South Station 10:25 a.m. Back Bay 10:25 a.m. Dedham Corp. 10:40 a.m. Norwood Center 10:45 a.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 11:25 a.m. Depart Providence: Providence 11:00 a.m. S. Attleboro 11:10 a.m. Attleboro 11:20 a.m. Mansfield 11:30 a.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 12:00 p.m. Games Starting at 4:05 P.M. Depart South Station: South Station 1:10 p.m. Back Bay 1:15 p.m. Dedham Corp. 1:30 p.m. Norwood Center 1:35 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 2:15 p.m. Depart Providence: Providence 2:00 p.m. S. Attleboro 2:10 p.m. Attleboro 2:20 p.m. Mansfield 2:30 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 3:00 p.m. Games Starting at 8:00 P.M. Depart South Station: South Station 5:25 p.m. Back Bay 5:30 p.m. Dedham Corp. 5:45 p.m. Norwood Center 5:50 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 6:30 p.m. Depart Providence: Providence 6:20 p.m. S. Attleboro 6:30 p.m. Attleboro 6:40 p.m. Mansfield 6:50 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 7:20 p.m. Games Starting at 8:30 P.M. Depart South Station: South Station 6:00 p.m. Back Bay 6:05 p.m. Dedham Corp. 6:20 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 7:05 p.m. Depart Providence: Providence 6:50 p.m. S. Attleboro 7:00 p.m. Attleboro 7:10 p.m. Mansfield 7:20 p.m. *Arrive Foxboro/(Baystate) 7:50 p.m. Please be advised that coolers, backpacks, large bags and packages will not be allowed on the trains to Foxboro Stadium.

Release Date:2001-08-27 00:00:00 E-Mail:feedback@mbta.com MBTA's "Night Owl" Service To Begin September 7th The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is finalizing plans for a one-year pilot program offering late-night bus service on Friday and Saturday nights. It begins September 7, 2001. Secretary of Transportation Kevin J. Sullivan, who directed the MBTA to implement the so-called "Night Owl" bus plan, says the new service is designed to meet the needs of transit-dependent people traveling after regularly scheduled trains and buses have stopped for the night. "This pilot program will allow us to learn how much of a demand exists for public transportation after one a.m.," said Sullivan. MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. says the plan includes the creation of ten new bus routes to operate in the same travel corridors in which rapid transit lines run during regular hours. Buses will leave downtown Boston every thirty minutes, and make stops at all the stations normally served by subway trains and streetcars. The last outbound trip for each route is 2:30 a.m. To supplement the new routes, service on seven existing bus routes will also be extended until 2:30 a.m. The routes include: #1 (Harvard - Dudley Square via Massachusetts Avenue; #9 (Government Center - City Point, South Boston); #28 (Dudley - Mattapan Square); #57 (Kenmore - Watertown Square via Cambridge and Washington Streets); #66 (Harvard - Dudley Square via Allston and Brookline); #77 (Harvard Square - Arlington Heights); #111 (Haymarket Square - Woodlawn via Route 1). Demonstrating its strong commitment to the new service, the MBTA Board of Directors - chaired by Secretary Sullivan - has appropriated $2.8 million to operate and market the twelve-month pilot program. "We've heard the calls from the public for some form of late-night transportation," said Sullivan. "The pilot program gives us a chance to respond and effectively determine the overall public transportation needs for late night service." Each bus stop along the routes will have the distinctive "Night Owl" logo on it to let customers know where they can pick up the bus. Fares vary, depending on the route. Schedule and route information is available throughout the MBTA system and on the world wide web at www.mbta.com.

Release Date:2001-09-07 00:00:00 E-Mail:feedback@mbta.com New Subway Cars for the MBTA's Blue Line The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Blue Line will receive an entirely new fleet of subway cars after a vote by the MBTA's Board of Directors. At their monthly meeting, T Directors authorized the execution of a $172 million contract with Siemens Transportation Systems, Inc. for 94 Blue Line cars. Under the agreement, delivery of the new vehicles would begin in 2003. Secretary of Transportation and MBTA Board Chairman Kevin J. Sullivan says the acquisition further demonstrates the administration's commitment to expanding and improving transit options. "Governor Jane Swift feels strongly about offering commuters quality alternatives," said Sullivan. "By modernizing the fleet and increasing capacity, we accomplish just that." The procurement is part of the MBTA's overall project to significantly upgrade service on the Blue Line, which ferries thousands of people to and from Logan International Airport each day. A vital link to downtown Boston for residents of the north shore, the Blue Line is currently at capacity with some 57,000 passenger trips a day. MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. says the purchase will allow the Authority to increase from four to six the number of cars in a Blue Line train set. "This gives us the opportunity to provide capacity for roughly 35% more riders," said Prince. The recommendation to execute a contract with Siemens followed a competitive bidding process in which the MBTA received five formal proposals from companies around the world. Bidders were rated in accordance with pre-established criteria such as experience, technological expertise, and cost. Siemens' formula for success involves a combination of German engineering and American manufacturing. The 150-year old firm has 75,000 employees at its 125 facilities around the United States. Meantime, the Blue Line's Aquarium Station is scheduled to re-open this fall after a year-long closure. The station had to be shut down while construction workers extended the platforms to accommodate six-car trains and

Release Date:2001-10-02 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com MBTA Announces Student Reduced Fare Ridership Program MBTA Announces Student Reduced Fare Ridership Program Once again, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is proud to announce its Student Reduced Fare Ridership Program. This program is designed to allow students ages 12 and up enrolled in school through the 12th grade, to pay half the regular fare while school is in session. The student-reduced fares will be honored Monday through Friday until 8:00 p.m., with the exception of the Boston Evening Academy ID which has no age restriction and allows reduced fares until 10:30 p.m. All students will be required to display a 2000/2001 student badge prior to entering the MBTA's buses, subways or stations. Student Pass Holders A student pass allows the student free access on all MBTA subway, bus and commuter rail lines zones 1 and 2 on days for which school is in session. This monthly pass must be presented with the student badge for the holder to be eligible to enter without paying for the fare. Red Line All students traveling the Red Line - Braintree to North Quincy, must identify as a local rider and display their student badge. They must then purchase a warrant ($1.00) and deposit $0.50 cents into the S-box. Upon exiting from the local area, they will cash the warrant and receive their $1.00 back. Students entering Braintree, Quincy Adams, and Quincy Center Stations, who are not local riders, will be required to pay $1.00 with the appropriate badge. The exit fare at Quincy Adams and Braintree for students who are not local riders is $0.50 cents when badge is displayed. For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-329-66100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146, or visit us on the web at: www.mbta.com.

Release Date:2001-10-04 00:00:00 E-Mail:jpesaturo@mbta.com 175 Low- Floor, Low-Emission Buses To be Procured For MBTA Fleet More than a third of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) fleet of aged, diesel buses are on the road to retirement after the MBTA Board of Directors authorized the purchase of 175 state-of-the-art buses at its monthly meeting. Secretary of Transportation and Board Chairman Kevin J. Sullivan, who will ask the directors for their consent, says the proposed purchase represents another milestone in MBTA history. "Governor Jane Swift has directed the MBTA to become a truly environmentally friendly transit agency," said Sullivan. "These new buses will allow us to deliver safe and efficient service while drastically reducing the levels of emissions." Powered by cleaner-burning compressed natural gas, the forty-foot buses are to be manufactured with low floors and front door mobility aid ramps to significantly improve access. Following a competitive bidding process, MBTA officials recommended that the nearly $60 million contract be awarded to North American Bus Industries of Moorpark, California. MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. - a one-time bus driver for the T - says the new vehicles are quite a departure from the buses to which most people are accustomed. "From the automated audio and visual stop announcements to the on-board diagnostic maintenance testing capabilities, these buses are establishing a new standard in the transit industry," said Prince. The new purchase bring to 358 the number of low-floor, compressed natural gas-powered buses ordered by the MBTA. The first fifteen arrivals will be assigned to the Washington Street segment (Dudley Square to Downtown Boston) of the new Silver Line. Traveling via a dedicated bus lane, the vehicles will make stops at seven new stations featuring comfortable seating and shelter as well as electronic signage with real-time schedule information. The service on Washington Street is scheduled to begin next spring. Later, the MBTA will start receiving another order of 168 buses, including 44 sixty-foot, articulated vehicles that will serve the Silver Line. A vast majority of the forty-foot buses will be assigned to urban core routes in places such as Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain.

Release Date:2001-10-04 00:00:00 E-Mail:jpesaturo@mbta.com T Property Goes To City Of Boston For Multiple Uses The Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority today voted to accept an offer from the City of Boston for 6.7 acres of land along Eagle Street in East Boston. Abutting Chelsea Creek, the parcel is being sold to the City's Department of Neighborhood Development for $1.4 million. Secretary of Transportation Kevin J. Sullivan, who serves as chairman of the board, says the transaction is a winner for everyone involved. "The MBTA strengthens its commitment to increase non-fare revenue while the City of Boston gets a prime piece of real estate for a variety important uses," said Sullivan. The City has proposed to utilize the property for a Public Work facility, a Police Station, an Emergency Medical Services Station, and a public park. Owned by the MBTA since 1894, the property was originally developed as a power generating substation and car barn for electric trolleys. After decades of use as a bus garage and maintenance facility, the buildings were closed and subsequently demolished. MBTA General Manager Robert H. Prince, Jr. says the land transfer is another example of the T's desire to be a good neighbor. "Once it's been determined that a piece of property is no longer needed for transit purposes, we look at ways to benefit the public's interest," said Prince. "The City's plans for this parcel certainly meet that criteria." Also today, T Directors voted to transfer - at no charge - three quarters of a mile of abandoned railroad right-of-way to the Town of Acton. The Town plans to use the land for public recreational purposes.

Release Date:2001-10-12 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com MBTA To Conduct Vision Workshops The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is looking for ideas to update their 2002 Program for Mass Transportation (PMT). The MBTA is conducting workshops for the public's involvement in identifying ideas for PMT on potential projects and programs to meet future transportation needs. The PMT will define a long-range vision and 25-year capital plan for mass transportation improvements in the MBTA service area. The following workshops will be conducted: October 18 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - South Suburban Area - Quincy City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 1305 Hancock Street. October 23 - 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. - North Side Commuters - North Station/Fleet Center, Legends Meeting Room. October 25 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - North Suburban Area - Malden Government Center, City Council Chamber, 200 Pleasant Street. October 29 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - MetroWest Area - Framingham Town Hall, Public Hearing Room, 150 Concord Street. November 1 - 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Boston Area - Roxbury - Dudley Branch Library, Auditorium, 65 Warren Street.' November 7 - 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. - South Side Commuters - South Station, Federal Reserve Building, New England Room, 600 Atlantic Avenue. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Pam Wolfe, CTPS at 617-973-7100 or Steve Woelfel, MBTA at 617-222-3322.

Release Date:2001-10-23 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com MBTA Preliminary 2002 Service Plan The MBTA will hold community workshops and public hearings to obtain public comment regarding proposed service changes and proposed modifications to the MBTA's Service Delivery Policy as described in the Preliminary 2002 Service Plan. Written comments should be addressed to MBTA Service Planning Unit, 45 High Street, Boston, MA 02110, or by e-mail to service@mbta.com. Written comments will be accepted through November 30, 2001. Comments from the public will be considered equally whether they are received in writing, at community workshops or at hearings. Review copies of the plan are available at the main public library in each municipality in the MBTA bus service area and at the State Transportation Library at 10 Park Plaza, Boston. The plan will be available on the MBTA web site beginning October 22. Alternative format review copies are available upon request. Community Workshops Community workshops will be held on November 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 as detailed below. Community workshops will consist of a presentation by MBTA staff followed by an informal discussion between MBTA staff and the public regarding the Preliminary 2002 Service Plan. November 5, 2001, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Conference Rooms 2 & 3, Boston November 6, 2001, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan Street, Danvers November 7, 2001, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Cambridge Masonic Hall, 1950 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Cambridge November 8, 2001, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren Street, Roxbury November 13, 2001, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., North Shore Community College, MBTA Garage-Market & Broad Streets, Lynn November 14, 2001, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., National Park Visitor Center, 2 Liberty Street, Salem November 15, 2001, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Quincy City Council Chambers, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy Public Hearings Two public hearings will be held to fulfill the requirements of 49 USC Section 5307 (d)(1)(I) as detailed below. These formal public hearings will consist of a presentation by MBTA staff followed by testimony from the public regarding the Preliminary 2002 Service Plan. November 19, 2001, 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Roxbury Community College Auditorium, Columbus Ave & Dudley Street, Roxbury For workshops and hearings, please make any requests for sign language interpreters by calling (617) 222-4457. Assistive listening devices will be provided. Please plan to arrive early since some sites may have security delays. Picture identification may be required. The plan is designed with no change in operating cost; therefore any service increase depends on a corresponding service reduction. Approved changes are projected for implementation beginning in March 2002.

Release Date:2001-10-25 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mbta.com MBTA To Hold Public Meeting In Easton To Discuss Proposed New Bedford/Fall River Project The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is planning to hold an Open House Public Meeting in the town of Easton on Thursday November 1, 2001 as an opportunity to exchange information regarding the proposed New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail Extension Project. It is an opportunity for the public to get involved and ask questions about the project and provide input into the on-going process for the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and preliminary design plans. The public will have a unique opportunity to review maps and drawings, and to interact one-on-one with the project staff. The Open House Public Meeting constitutes an important milestone in making fairly comprehensive information available for public review and discussion. This information comprises of data and maps showing the location of tracks, grade crossings, proposed commuter rail stations and other features of the New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail Line through your community. The Open House Public Meeting will be held at: Thursday, November 1, 2001 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Stonehill College - Alumni Hall Easton The MBTA proposes to extend commuter rail service to Southeastern Massachusetts to address substantial public needs, including reducing congestion on the already crowded highways, improving highway safety and air quality. This will also result in an enhanced regional transportation system capacity for public convenience, thereby fostering economic development. For questions please call Rusty DeRoma @ (617) 222-3465 or Sean McDonnell, MBTA at (617) 222-2093.

Release Date:2001-10-30 00:00:00 E-Mail:lrivera@mtba.com MBTA Continues Accessibility Program On The B Branch of the Green Line Please be advised that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its contractor, E.J. Sciaba Contracting will begin accessibility improvements at Harvard Avenue Station commencing the week of November 5, 2001. The work will involve the reconstruction of the inbound and outbound platforms. Commuters will be directed to temporary inbound and outbound station platforms, where they can board and exit Green Line trains. When the construction is complete the station will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this construction period. Please contact (617) 222-4901 with any questions/comments

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