Showing posts with label mbta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mbta. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Video replay available for the Economic Development Subcommittee held March 13 (video)

Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 beginning at 5:45pm. 

The agenda doc can be found -> 

The meeting was recorded and live broadcast by Franklin TV to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yNNjaJCSkg 

I was recording the School Committee subcommittee meeting upstairs that started at 5 PM and joined the meeting about 6:15 so my reporting won't be available immediately.


Sunday, December 31, 2023

MBTA offers Free travel on New Year's Eve

"Free travel on all modes after 8 PM New Year's Eve

All subway lines will also be operating with additional service after
3 PM on Sunday, December 31.

Commuter Rail lines will provide late-night service with last trains held at North and South Stations until after midnight. 

See more details here -> https://www.mbta.com/holidays

 

MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve
MBTA offers Free travel  on New Year's Eve

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

The Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23rd as well as on Friday, November 24th.


Affected lines:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin/Foxboro Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston Line
  • Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Nov 17 2023 06:57 AM


Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"
Starting Thanksgiving Thursday (11/23/23): Commuter Rail runs "weekend schedule"

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

On Columbus Day, Monday October 9th, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a normal weekday schedule.

On the Haverhill Line, buses will continue to replace train service between Reading and Oak Grove and will operate on a weekday schedule as well.

Affected lines:
Newburyport/Rockport Line
Haverhill Line
Lowell Line
Fitchburg Line
Framingham/Worcester Line
Needham Line
Franklin/Foxboro Line
Fairmount Line
Providence/Stoughton Line
Middleborough/Lakeville Line
Kingston Line
Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Oct 02 2023 08:34 AM  https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)
Commuter Rail will operate on a normal weekday schedule Monday, Oct 9 (holiday)

Monday, October 2, 2023

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

The new Fall/Winter schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail Lines with extended late-night service and added peak service on select lines.

Check out your new Franklin schedule before you ride with us: 
https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

 

The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023
The MBTA's new fall/winter schedule in effect as of Today, Oct 2, 2023

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023

"THE MBTA’S commuter rail service operator is preparing to expand service this fall, adding late-night departures from Boston and more trains during peak periods on select lines to meet increased demand.

The commuter rail operator, Keolis Commuter Services, already offers service at roughly one-hour intervals through most of the day. The new schedule, which begins October 2, will add a late train from Boston on weekdays and weekends to accommodate people with unconventional work schedules or those attending late-night events.

On the Providence-Stoughton Line, the last train will now depart Boston at 11:55 p.m., 55 minutes later than the current schedule. Most other train lines will follow similar schedules. The Needham Line, however, is pushing back the last train on weekdays from 11 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., but retaining 10:15 p.m. for the last train on weekends.

Keolis is also adding trains during the morning and evening peak periods on the Lowell, Fitchburg, Franklin, and Worcester lines, reducing the one-hour interval between trains to every 30 to 45 minutes. For example, trains on the Lowell Line will operate every 35 minutes coming into Boston between 6:25 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. and every 30 to 40 minutes departing Boston between 3:55 p.m. and 6:20 p.m."



The NEW Schedules are not yet available but should be posted here when ready     https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023
MBTA adding trains to the Franklin line during peak periods beginning Oct 2, 2023


Friday, September 1, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail notice - Trains on Monday will operate on a weekend schedule

All Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule on Labor Day, Monday September 4.
Affected lines:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin/Foxboro Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston Line
  • Greenbush Line
Last Updated: Aug 30 2023 07:35 AM


The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable
The Franklin line schedule -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable

Friday, August 25, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Beginning September 1st, 2023, normal fares will resume throughout the MBTA system. Passengers will no longer be able to display CharlieCards for travel to/from select stations on the Commuter Rail.


Affected lines:
Newburyport/Rockport Line
Haverhill Line
Lowell Line
Fitchburg Line
Framingham/Worcester Line
Needham Line
Franklin/Foxboro Line
Providence/Stoughton Line
Middleborough/Lakeville Line
Kingston Line
Greenbush Line

Last Updated: Aug 24 2023 02:32 PM


MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023
MBTA Commuter Rail notice effective Sep 1, 2023

Friday, June 23, 2023

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023

On Tuesday, July 4th, for Independence Day, the Commuter Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.

Affected routes:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Jun 22 2023 10:00 AM

Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023
Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line - to run a weekend scheduled on July 4, 2023


Monday, May 22, 2023

Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect for Franklin's Commuter Rail

The Spring/Summer schedule is now in effect on all Commuter Rail lines. Visit MBTA.com to check the minor adjustments we implemented for better seasonal performance.

The Spring/Summer schedule maintains the same frequent weekday service introduced in Spring 2021, with a few changes to train times in order to factor in track work and seasonal events.
  • Many flag stops will also be converted into regular station stops.
  • On Monday, May 29th (Memorial Day), Tuesday, July 4th (Independence Day) and Monday, September 4th (Labor Day), all lines will operate on a weekend schedule.
  • On Monday, June 19th (Juneteenth), Monday, July 3rd (Day before Independence Day), and Monday, October 9th (Columbus Day), all lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
  • For all holiday schedules, please check MBTA.com/holidays.

Affected lines:
Newburyport/Rockport Line
Haverhill Line
Lowell Line
Fitchburg Line
Framingham/Worcester Line
Needham Line
Fairmount Line
Providence/Stoughton Line
Middleborough/Lakeville Line
Kingston Line
Greenbush Line

Last Updated: May 19 2023 07:58 AM

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail: Franklin Line will run a "weekend" schedule on February 20 for President's Day

For Presidents Day, Monday, February 20th, all Commuter Rail lines will operate on a weekend schedule.


Affected lines:
  • Newburyport/Rockport Line
  • Haverhill Line
  • Lowell Line
  • Fitchburg Line
  • Framingham/Worcester Line
  • Needham Line
  • Franklin/Foxboro Line
  • Fairmount Line
  • Providence/Stoughton Line
  • Middleborough/Lakeville Line
  • Kingston/Plymouth Line
  • Greenbush Line

For more information: https://mbta.com/holidays

Last Updated: Feb 13 2023 08:49 AM

MBTA Commuter Rail: President's Day schedule February 20
MBTA Commuter Rail: President's Day schedule February 20

Friday, February 3, 2023

non-MBTA team assigned to examine the production issues in Springfield

"GOV. MAURA HEALEY said on Thursday that she is putting together a team of non-MBTA technical and legal experts to review the troubling situation at the Chinese-owned Springfield assembly plant for new Red and Orange Line trains.

Healey said she learned about the problems in Springfield a couple weeks ago, apparently at roughly the same time the public learned about them in detail from a presentation by acting General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville to the MBTA board of directors.

On Monday, Healey seemed shaky on details of the situation in Springfield. On Thursday, she seemed much more up to speed.

“The project is way behind schedule. Some alarming details have emerged about the quality of the production process,” Healey said."
Continue reading the article online -> 


From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)
From left, Transportation Secretary Gina Fiandaca, Gov. Maura Healey, Transportation Undersecretary Monica Tipbits-Nutt, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, and acting MBTA General Manager Jeffrey Gonneville. (Photo by Bruce Mohl)

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.


Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  


We were joined by Joel for this session to include his insights as a lifelong Franklinite, a property owner, and a former Town Councilor.


The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio recording -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23


--------------


47 Summer St as referenced during the discussion


Prior discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 


Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html


Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.html


--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St
Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St

Saturday, January 21, 2023

MHP: "Why MBTA multifamily zoning law makes sense for Massachusetts" (video)

Introductory video on how the state's new multifamily zoning requirement for communities served by Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will help cities and towns zone for more housing near transit, increase economic opportunity, reduce sprawl and lessen impacts on the environment.


Visit Mass Housing Project for more info on this topic -> https://www.mhp.net/

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change

Reminder: 

Monday, January 23, 2023 a new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will go into effect. This schedule adjustment will prevent train traffic between Readville & South Station after the opening of Pawtucket station (Prov Line) and offer improved on-time performance.

The new Franklin/Foxboro Line Winter schedule is now available online and in South Station or Back Bay.  


Last Updated: Jan 17 2023 07:26 AM

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change
Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change


Monday, January 9, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Overcoming the restrictions on multi-family housing"

"CITIES AND TOWNS of Greater Boston have a long history of using zoning to restrict development of multi-family housing that might accommodate families with children. The systematic restrictions have disadvantaged multi-generational households seeking homes in condo or apartment buildings. The restrictions have also undermined the housing market’s dynamism and its ability to meet the region’s housing needs.

In response to these problems, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring cities and towns served by the MBTA to zone for transit-oriented multi-family housing “without age restrictions” and “suitable for families with children.” Once implemented, the reform should enable the market to meet the needs of diverse households.

For decades, municipalities have been limiting development of family-suitable apartments and condos through a few zoning mechanisms, including age-restrictions for occupants (typically for residents who are at least 55 years old), bedroom restrictions, and discretionary approval processes. I studied these practices in a 2018 survey of zoning bylaws and ordinances in 100 cities and towns across Greater Boston."
Last of the 5 part series
 

Friday, January 6, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Seeking predictable permitting for new housing" (part 3 of 5)

 

"IF YOU LIVE in an affluent suburb of Boston, your municipality is probably not using as-of-right zoning to permit construction of apartments or condos. If your community is served by the MBTA, then the Massachusetts state Legislature has mandated that your municipality zone for multi-family housing as-of-right. The clock is now ticking on implementation.

The mandate was adopted because Boston’s suburbs have not allowed enough transit-oriented home development to meet the region’s needs for housing and transit-accessibility. Discretionary review processes are part of the problem. As-of-right zoning can help."

Part 3 of the 5 part series  


A public plaza within a private development, Trio, in Newton. (Photo by Amy Dain.)
A public plaza within a private development, Trio, in Newton. (Photo by Amy Dain.)

CommonWealth Magazine: "Where should new multi-family housing go?" (part 4 of 5)

"WHERE SHOULD new multifamily housing go? This is a fundamental question facing 175 communities across eastern Massachusetts as they work to implement a new law intended to address the region’s housing shortage. The MBTA Communities law requires cities and towns served by Greater Boston’s public transit agency, the MBTA, to enact zoning that allows multifamily housing near transit.

If history is any indication, communities will seek to locate this new multi-family housing away from existing residential neighborhoods when possible. In recent decades, the largest portion of new housing in Greater Boston has been built in isolated areas on municipal and metropolitan peripheries. As an example, the town of Wellesley approved the construction of a 262-unit complex called The Nines on a spit of land separated from the rest of town, tucked between Routes 95 and 9 and the Charles River. The towns of Needham and Stoneham permitted similar “across the interstate” developments, and other examples abound."

Part 4 of the 5 part series

Thursday, January 5, 2023

MBTA Commuter Rail: A Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule change is starting January 23, 2023


Monday, January 23, 2023 - a new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will go into effect. This schedule adjustment will prevent train conflicts between Readville & South Station after the opening of Pawtucket station (Prov Line) and offer improved on-time performance.

For more information: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/media/route_pdfs/2023-01-03-cr-franklin-foxboro-fall-winter-schedule.pdf

Last Updated: Jan 04 2023 11:03 AM

MBTA Franklin Line Schedules ->   https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable



Wednesday, January 4, 2023

CommonWealth Magazine: "Solving the MBTA Communities zoning puzzle" (part 2 of 5)

"IN 2021, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts adopted the MBTA Communities zoning law requiring municipalities served by the MBTA to zone districts “of reasonable size” for multi-family housing at a “gross density” of 15 dwelling units per acre. The law applies to 175 cities and towns. Some may already have zoning that meets the requirements. For most of the municipalities, compliance will involve local legislative votes, at town meetings and city councils.

In the process of local reform, thousands of public officials, constituents, and advocates will have to become familiar with the law’s novel, complicated, and flexible concept of gross density. I am writing this article to give people a head-start in understanding it."

Part 2 of the 5 part series 

Part 1

Multi-family development in Winchester, MA. (Photo by Amy Dain.)
Multi-family development in Winchester, MA. (Photo by Amy Dain.)