As service cuts take effect, MBTA wonât detail the savings
Critics say itâs rewriting history, pressing ahead with cutbacks justified by a budget crisis that no longer exists
By Adam Vaccaro Globe Staff,Updated February 4, 2021, 7:01 p.m.
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The commuter rail station in Plymouth.Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
When the MBTA first broached the topic of service cuts last summer, officials suggested they had little choice, given the collapse of revenue during the coronavirus pandemic. But with the first set of cuts now in effect, the agency wonât say how much savings they will yield.
Since ridership on the T is down to about 10 percent of what it was this time last year, the agency had to cut weekend service entirely to seven commuter rail lines; Fitchburg, Franklin, Greenbush, Haverhill, Plymouth, Lowell, and Needham.
Published January 23. 2021 11:11PM
Associated Press
The inmate, who was not identified because of medical privacy laws, died Friday at a hospital where he was transferred about three weeks ago, the department said.
The 57-year-old man was serving a 40-year sentence for arson and murder relating to crimes in the 1990s. Prison officials said he had underlying conditions that led to his death.
The man was the 18th state prison inmate to die from COVID-19.
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MBTA reduction in some commuter rail, ferry services now in place
Updated Jan 24, 2021;
The service cuts to some Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter rail and ferry services began over the weekend.
The cuts in service were approved by the Fiscal and Management Control Board in December as the COVID pandemic continues to impact ridership.
As of Jan. 23, the MBTA will only offer weekend service on the Newburyport/Rockport, Framingham/Worcester, Fairmount, Providence, and Middleborough lines.
“These lines experienced more ridership gains over the last several months compared to other lines and serve transit-critical communities,” the MBTA said.
All other commuter rail lines will not have weekend service.
An MBTA Commuter Rail train on the Haverhill line travels through Andover. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
As ridership continues to dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has begun its service reductions for both the Commuter Rail and ferry rides.
The change removes weekend service from seven Commuter Rail lines and the Charlestown ferry service has been suspended indefinitely, according to a statement from the MBTA. Direct ferry service from Hingham to Rowe s Wharf has also been ceased. The changes went into effect as of Saturday, January 23.
Weekend Commuter Rail service will now only be available on the Newburyport/Rockport, Framingham/Worcester, Fairmount, Providence, and Middleborough lines.