I noticed that the MBTA has a link to a Commuter Rail Pass User survey from the home page of their website. If you are a commuter rail pass holder, you may want to complete the survey.
Also, Grafton Train Rider sent me an email regarding a possible Weston commuter rail station for the Worcester-Framigham commuter rail line. I haven't heard anything about this, but I guess it would make sense for Weston residents (though it would make the commute longer for riders from Worcester, Grafton, etc.).
Here is what Grafton Train Rider said:
Dear Train Rider,
I was mapping a Weston address in Google maps and noticed that an MBTA icon appears for a Weston Station (Under Constr). See for yourself using this address:
Leo J Martin Memorial Golf Course
85 Park Rd
Weston, MA 02493
Were you aware of this station? When is the expected completion date? So, the local trains will have even longer rides. I wonder if this station will have every local train stop just like those lucky, influential Wellesley riders?
I was told by Bob Stoetzel (before he departed) that the 3 stops in Wellesley for every local train was part of the "agreement" to "allow" expansion of the line to Worcester.
I don't understand why the Worcester local trains could just make 1 stop at Wellesley Square, which has the biggest parking lot. The stations are only 3-4 minutes apart so obviously these additional stops are for the residents' convenience at the expense of other riders.
Thanks.
Grafton Train Rider
Post edited at 2:30 p.m. on 5/5/2008: Well I had some free time, so I did some research. It appears that there is a Weston stop on the Fitchburg line at Silver Hill in Weston. The train only makes two morning stops at that station - 7:06 a.m. and 8:18 a.m. There are three evening stops - 6:14 p.m., 6:53 p.m. and 8:10 p.m.
4 comments:
The MBTA ADVISORY BOARD continues to advocate for a full Yawkey station in the CIP
http://www.mbtaadvisoryboard.org/Reports/reports.htm
It doesn't make sense that yet another stop would be added to the rail line. There are 3 in both Wellesley and Newton. People living in these towns have more options, such as the bus and proximity to the green line, as opposed to those of us further out. These towns must have very influential lobbies as the representative from Wellesley spearheaded the study which eventually added anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes onto the commute for riders west of Natick.
Richard,
I agree. there are already three stops in Weston, serviced by the Fitchburg line. If they added a stop to the Framingham/Worcester line, it would create an even longer commute for the central mass folks, who benefit the most from the commuter rail (by cutting down on gas, tolls, car wear and tear and pollution).
I hope the CSX stalemate can be resolved because that would mean more commuting choices for the Worcester to Ashland commuters. I've always thought that there should be some trains that go express from Ashland to Boston for all of us in zones 6 through 8.
That Weston stop has been on Google Maps forever. I understand it was proposed years ago but discarded, so I wouldn't worry about it.
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