MBTA Mobility Center Can Help Explore Accessible Transit Options

The MBTA Mobility Center teaches people how to safely use the T by offering group orientation to the MBTA and individual travel training. The MBTA Mobility Center will also provide assistance with trip planning, technology training (how to use the T website and relevant apps) and assist those who are eligible in applying for reduced fare CharlieCards. The MBTA Mobility Center is funded by MassDOT, so there isn't a charge for services. Please visit www.mbta.com/accessibility/mbta-mobility-center for more info. The MBTA Mobility Center has MBTA Access in Motion booklets in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Kreyol, Cape Verdean Creole, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Braille.

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The Deets on All Those MBTA Trolley Poles Being Removed

During the last several weeks construction crews have been working from Forest Hills to Heath Street to remove more than 100 obsolete metal poles previously used by MBTA trolleys that used to go along that path. So we wanted to know some details about why the MBTA decided to remove the poles now. Answers were provided by an MBTA spokesperson. Q: Why did the MBTA decide to remove them? A: The poles were aging and obsolete.  In the interest of public safety, the MBTA decided that removing them would be prudent, before they became a safety issue.

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What Do You Think of Newly Installed Speed Humps and Bike Lanes?

Speed humps and bike lanes have been installed on numerous Jamaica Plain streets -- so what do you think of them? In recent weeks the city's Streets Cabinet has installed speed humps as part of several bike lanes on Boylston, Eliot, Green and Seavern streets. Opinions on the bike lanes have varied -- some people love that they've been installed, while others are not happy about them. And more speed humps are going to be installed in Boston, as the city plans to install speed humps on nearly 400 miles of residential streets during the coming years, said Anne Roach, communications director for the city's Office of Streets. "In 2023, we launched a new approach to planning, designing, and building speed humps.

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New Pilot Program Reduces Bluebikes Membership as Low as $5

The city announced a new pilot program, Boston Bikes Pass, which significantly discounts an annual Bluebikes membership for Boston residents. Boston residents who have not had an annual Bluebikes membership in the last three years are eligible for the $60 per year membership, which is a regular rate of $129 per year. Boston residents who qualify for MassHealth, SNAP, or meet income guidelines can get an even more reduced rate at $5 per year, compared to regular income-eligible rate of $50 per year. And any Boston resident 16 years old or older who meets income guidelines is eligible for a $5 annual pass, whether or not they have had a Bluebikes annual membership in the past. The pilot program is running now through June 2024 to make travel by bike more affordable and to bolster the growing demand for Bluebikes, Metro Boston’s public bike share system.

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Mayor Wu Names Jamaica Plain Resident (and Regular 39 Bus Rider) to MBTA Board of Directors

Mayor Michelle Wu recently appointed Jamaica Plain resident Mary Skelton Roberts, a regular 39 bus rider, to the MBTA's board of directors. For many years Boston fought to have a person represent the city on the board, and the Legislature and governor finally created a board seat specifically to represent the city in August. Roberts is a regular commuter who most often takes the 39 bus and Orange Line, and brings extensive experience with transportation policy to advance climate solutions and foster thriving communities. She is currently the president of the Climate Beacon Conference and senior advisor to the Climate Beacon Project, a newly established non-profit committed to ensuring Massachusetts achieves an equitable energy transition, and also on the Governor’s Latino Empowerment Council, according to a press release. She begins representing Boston at this week’s MBTA Board meeting on Thursday morning.

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Want to Represent Boston on MBTA Board of Directors?

Earlier this month, the state legislature and Governor Maura Healey passed a state budget that created a seat for a Boston resident to be on the board of directors for the MBTA. Would you like to be the person to fill that seat? The new seat on the board will give Boston "a direct role in the governance of the region’s public transit system." In the coming weeks, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will be considering candidates to serve on the board, which meets monthly and holds monthly subcommittee meetings. The city wants residents to share "your ideas, hopes, and concerns with Mayor Wu and the new MBTA Board of Directors member."

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Traffic Advisory: Rolling Lane Closures on 3-Mile Stretch of Jamaicaway Due to Drainage Work

There will be rolling lane closures along a 3-mile stretch of Jamaicaway starting August 3 through August 11. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement the lane closures in both directions between Pond Street and Brookline Avenue, which is about 3 miles in length. The lane closures will occur from 8 am to 2 pm to accommodate drainage infrastructure work. Police details are expected.

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Boston Transportation Department Wants Your Input on Route 39 Bus

The Boston Transportation Department is looking to improve the Route 39 corridor and wants your input. The BTD is looking at reducing delays, enhancing safety, and making the 39 bus work better for riders. Improvements could include changes to bus stops, re-timing signals, or traffic changes at intersections. The BTD is conducting outreach during this summer to let people know they're looking to make improvements and get feedback on initial concepts. The city particularly wants to hear from bus riders and other people who travel along the 39 bus route.

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Update Meeting: Arborway Electric Bus Facility Project on June 22

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is holding an in-person public meeting on June 22 to provide an overview of 15% of the design plans to create a facility to support a 100% battery electric bus fleet. The MBTA is designing a new facility at the Arborway Bus Yard in Forest Hills at the corner of Washington Street and Arborway to support a 100% battery electric bus (BEB) fleet. BEBs will reduce emissions and improve the air quality around the facility and routes served. The new facility will expand the MBTA's fleet size to serve additional routes in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. The new facility will also provide capacity for 60-foot buses that carry greater numbers of riders on busy routes.

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Until Further Notice: DCR Says Ongoing Repairs Happening on Southwest Corridor Bike Path

Starting today, and continuing until further notice, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be repairing the Southwest Corridor Park's bike path.  

DCR repairs will include the removal of cobblestone strips and path resurfacing from 6 am to 4:30 pm. The bike path will remain open for the duration of work, and detours may be in effect. Where applicable, DCR is advising users to walk on adjacent sidewalks, and that cyclists should dismount and walk bicycles. DCR said the schedule and scope of repairs will be posted on its website, and updated on an ongoing basis.

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