MassLive reports that the MBTA has published a new schedule for the Worcester line (H/T Emily Norton) which passes through Newton along the pike. The schedule has been expanded now that the MBTA has taken ownership of the rail from CSX. I haven’t had time to study it much to figure out exactly where the new service goes. Does it benefit Newton much? MetroWest? A little of both? It’s not rapid transit, but maybe it will take a few more cars off the roads. One change is more frequent service to the upgraded Yawkey station which services the Longwood medical area. That could open up new commute possibilities from Newton and elsewhere.
MBTA publishes new Commuter Rail schedule starting March 10
by Adam Peller | Feb 27, 2014 | Auburndale, MBTA | 9 comments
Auburndale, West Newton, and Newtonville are the only stops listed on the schedule that are “f stops” – i.e. train only stops if someone is clearly visible on the platform or passenger makes a request.
Does that mean that these stops have very little passenger traffic?
The new schedule adds 2 more inbound trains and 3 more outbound trains. I believe the extra capacity was dependent on Yawkey being fully operational so it could handle an inbound train and an outbound train.
@Jerry Those f stops are mostly for reverse direction trips so there is rarely anyone making those stops.
News you can use! The f stops are new — and an improvement because the train wouldn’t stop at all before, I assume. Overall, this is an improvement, because the old schedule had more emphasis on express trains that didn’t stop between Back Bay and West Natick. I commute through Newtonville and this new schedule has more options. The last couple of schedules had eliminated stops in Newton in favor of express service. So, if I couldn’t get a train home at 5:10, I’d have to wait until 5:55. Now there’s a train at 5:35. Schedule inthe morning is still pretty sparse and could use improvement.
The evening (post rush hour) now features a train approximately once an hour, which is a great improvement for someone who occasionally has to work late, or likes to do things in Boston after work.
@Doug C: Yawkey is a great addition, but if anything, it’s just going to add to trip times, which might even reduce capacity a bit. The game changer I think is that the MBTA now runs the line, not CSX.
Can anyone who takes the train tell us what the demand is like in the morning? What’s the likelihood of getting a seat by the time the train reaches Newton?
Both my daughters lived at home for awhile after college. Both needed to commute to Boston but couldn’t manage because there was no parking along the commuter rail stops. Both moved out and found sub standard housing so they could more easily commute to the city.
The commuter rail will never be a viable option for most west suburban residents until better parking facilities are available along the rail route.
Of course, Yawkey Station is named for Thomas Yawkey, the former owner of the Red Sox and provides service to Fenway Park.
Colleen:
I think your daughters never explored Newtonville. I park there everyday to take the commuter rail, and in many years of doing so I’ve never had to walk more than one block to get to the train. 12 hour meters, and lots of them.
Not to say there aren’t problems with the station, the stairs are in dire need of repair and the lights aren’t on half the time. But the commuter rail in newtonville does NOT lack for parking, even if Austin Street gets redone.
What Fig said.
Not to mention, in my experience 20 somethings always live in less desirable housing. It’s a phase of life, and one I actually remember fondly. I met my husband while living in “substandard housing” in my 20’s.