Friday, February 22, 2008

Friday's Commute on the Worcester Commuter Rail Line

This morning's commute was fine. Although the P508 train wasn't really crowded on the train this morning, it took longer to get in. Meaning for most of the week, we've been arriving at South Station at 8:20 a.m., where as today we got in at 8:24 a.m., one minute after the scheduled arrival time of 8:23 a.m.

We stopped outside of the Natick stop for a few minutes, although I don't know why, there was no explanation given.

The snow came on faster than I think they anticipated. It will be like that storm in December that snarled the roads for hours and hours.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Train Rider,

I hope you made it home OK. I live in Worcester and have been taking the 7:07am (now the 6:55am) train to Boston for two years. The service was best in early 2006 and then has gradually declined to its terrible present level. I have written to the governor's office about the new schedule and am planning to write to my state reps as well. I lived in London for nearly a year and was so impressed with their commuter rail service. I have attached a link to an editorial in the Worcester T&G today about the commuter rail and how it would be an economic boon to the region.

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080222/NEWS/802220340/1020

Is there a way to get private businesses along the route to invest in the commuter rail as an economic incentive?

Train Rider said...

Richard,

Thanks for visiting. I'm sorry you have to start your commute that much earlier to make the 6:55 a.m. train. I know some people don't think 12 minutes is that much of a difference, but I really believe it is.

Thanks for sharing the T&G editorial. Commute-a-holic and I missed that one!

I have emailed Gov. Patrick, Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy, in addition to Rep. Neal and one other one. I only got a form letter back from Senator Kennedy's office and nothing from anyone else.

I have also sent emails to the MBCR (just like Train Rider from Grafton) did. Sometimes I've received comments back.

At some point, I'll start to contact my local state rep and state senator. Maybe they will have more influence.

We should start bombarding our government with rally cries to fix the commuter rail!!!

And I agree - private businesses in Central Massachusetts, 495 and 128 should also be advocating for a more reliable commuter rail system. It just makes sense. There is an economic incentive - Massachusetts has started to experience a flight out of state. Part of it is due to jobs, but part of it is due to the high cost of living. The commuter rail could offset some living costs.

Thanks for visiting.
Train Rider