Mayor Ruthanne Fuller is raising concerns about several proposed changes to MBTA bus routes serving the Newton and neighboring communities.
The changes are part of the T’s Better Bus Project, a system wide initiative the transit agency describes as a “first step in our efforts to improve bus service and the system as a whole,” which, if approved, would go into effect this coming September.
In a letter sent to MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, Fuller said she appreciated “the goal of improved bus frequency and reduced travel times” but “unfortunately, though, the MBTA proposal shifts service away from important existing routes, leaving users of those routes with unacceptably long or unsafe walks to access the bus.”
The MBTA is accepting feedback on the changes until March 13, 2019 here.
There will also be a public hearing on this proposal tonight (Monday March 4), 6-8 p.m. at the Watertown Police Department Community Room, 552 Main St, Watertown.
Earlier on Village 14:
I recently posted on Village 14 data and then specific proposals for improved MBTA service that would counterbalance the MBTA cuts. Here are the direct links:
Data Site: MBTA Proposals and Newton MA
https://web.northeastern.edu/rasala/MBTA/
Specific Proposal Site: Newton MA Bus Proposals
https://web.northeastern.edu/rasala/MBTA/busproposals.html
People reading this thread may be interested in these links.
One inaccuracy in the Mayor’s letter: riders of the #52 can also get to Wells Ave by getting off in Oak Hill Park (and then walking along the same path which kids use to get between Schechter Lower and Schechter Upper)
@Jeremy: I’m trying to understand just how they do this. Are they getting off at Dedham Street, cutting across the Mount Ida campus and then cutting trough the woods? How long and how rugged is that walk? It seems pretty long and steep. And it certainly doesn’t help folks trying to get to the JCC or Newton Community Farm.
@Greg
It’s been a while since I was last down there, but the city website confirms the path’s existence http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/conserv/area/conservation_areas.asp
That website describes it like this:
Maybe the works for some hardy Schecter kids but it hardly seems like a viable path for folks to get to and from the office.
It is indeed a backwoods off-road path, and beware the mosquitos. It is far from a proper alternative.
I agree with Greg and Jane.
I’ve walked that path on many occasions and while it’s great for recreation and communing with nature it’s simply not a practical alternative
We need to maintain all existing bus routes serving the City. We can not let the T pull back and reduce any further service. Let’s not forget we were forced to give up Saturday service on Bus # 52 on the last round of reductions.
@Peter: It’s not fair to suggest that the T is giving up on routes, but they are changing some. Generally I believe the intentions are good — faster service, shorter routes. But there are specific consequences that users and employers should be aware of.
It is important to recognize that transit services in Newton indeed HAVE been cut back, little by little, over the years. The Mayor is correct to push back against these proposed changes – because they DO represent service cuts to Newton residents and employees.
While we are trying to shift trips away from automobiles to other modes (bike, ped, transit), this most recent set of proposed MBTA changes works against this goal. How can we expect more people to use a public bus if the service keeps getting more expensive, keeps being cut back, and keeps becomes more difficult to access? Sure, it’s wonderful in theory to propose faster, shorter routes – but at what cost to the actual Newton users of the system?
Why does everyone assume the MBTA is in the business of providing an efficient means of public transportation?
Its goal is to ensure it has enough revenue to pay union salaries and pensions. Services and maintenance are cut to meet these needs, profits are not used to improving service but to keep the gravy train running.
Greg, I have to respectfully disagree. Two cases in point: Bus # 60 stops at the Chestnut Hill Mall and this route serves the many employees of the Mall and it’s customers. It is also provides valuable transportation to the many residents of the Chestnut Hill Towers as a direct connection to the Longwood Medical area. The stop is at the back of Bloomingdale’s. Should these users now be required to navigate crossing Rt. 9 to ride the bus from a new stop at Chestnut Hill Square? The Bus # 52 Winchester/Nahanton serves the JCC, Nahanton Woods Condo community and now the new UMASS. How can cutting this service be good?