Where Do You Park?

In today's The Boston Globe there is an article about how the increased ridership on the MBTA/MBCR commuter rail trains can cause parking to be at a premium at some stations. This article focused mainly on the Fitchburg line, but the limited availability of parking spots seems to be a theme across much of the commuter rail system.

Acton Board of Selectman Chairperson Lauren Rosenzweig was quoted as saying that the town of Acton has heard complaints from commuters that the parking spots in Acton are filled by 7:18 a.m. Approximately 900 commuters board the trains from Acton alone.

Commuters are dealing with the parking issues in a number of different ways. Some get dropped off at stations, others walk to the station. People are parking wherever they can find a space - meaning that businesses in towns along the commuter rail line are complaining that commuters are taking up parking spots meant for customers.

The MBTA does have a $150 million rehabilitation of the Fitchburg line scheduled. The first part of the project will focus on railroad operations. Future phases of the project may focus on commuter rail parking issues.