2nd Suffolk & Middlesex MBTA Route Performance Indicators

All of the above data was culled from the MBTA’s Route Performance Indicators.  You can view see a set of statistics for all bus routes here.  The ridership counts are estimates based on a survey conducted in the fall of 2010 using Automated Passenger Counters and manual counts, not fare box information. Terminology: Route Type …

Watertown Town Council weighs in on bus service issues

The Watertown Town Council has transmitted a letter to the MBTA expressing concerns and offering collaboration for service improvement. Letter to MBTA, 03-20-2014 Representatives Hecht and Lawn and I have been in close contact with the Town Council. In addition to 71 and 73 issues, the council is also concerned about the 70 and the …

Improvements to 71/73 Bus Service?

Many have provided feedback on this site about the bus service to Belmont and Watertown from Harvard Square. Together with Representatives Hecht, Rogers and Lawn, and the Watertown Town Council, I’ve been giving the service issues a lot of attention. The MBTA and the City of Cambridge have both responded very diligently to our expressed …

Advocating for the Green Line

With last night’s Senate action on the Transportation Bond Bill, we passed an important milestone in our efforts to improve the transportation system — roads, bridges and public transit. It is worth recapping where we are, with a particular emphasis on the challenge of improving the Green Line. Representing Back Bay, Fenway and the Longwood …

MBTA Pension Transparency

Back in 2008, I became aware and concerned that the MBTA Retirement Fund is not subject to the same transparency rules that apply to state agencies. My understanding of this issue has greatly evolved over the past few months: While I have undiminished passion for transparency, I have to admit that the Retirement Fund is …

Transparency and Ethics: How do the Public Records Law and State Ethics Law apply to the MBTA Retirement Board?

On February 25, 2014, the Joint Committee on Public Service will be holding a public oversight hearing on the MBTA Retirement Fund. Below, please find an overview of the applicability of the public records law and state ethics law to the MBTA Retirement Fund and Board. PUBLIC RECORDS LAW APPLICABILITY In May of 2013, Senator …