MBTA Missing a Few Passengers

The Boston Globe may actually have something interesting to run in the Sidekick this week. The story emerged earlier today that, unlike other metropolitan areas , the MBTA was experiencing the lowest volume in riders since 2000. Boston.com started collecting riders opinions at 6:30 a.m. this morning, an early hour to start catching the flack that T riders are so easy to provide about their travels. We presume this question of the day will make it's way into the Sidekick which Bostonist has yet to truly figure out. A five minute delay gets under Bostonist’s collar but we’re used to it, we ride the T, or walk when we can. We would say "just like you, dear reader," but apparently you might not be among the T faithful making the daily trek.

The statistical analysis seems to be sound, even with Bostonist’s extensive education (Stats 101), comparing sheer volume of riders in late 2000 and ridership of the T today. With thought with increased capacity of the rapid transit lines like the Silver Line Bus that there would be an increase in capacity with stagnant growth, not the case. The price of a gallon of gas up over $2.25 consistently as of late caused Bostonist to curb the ol’ Honda (it’s for sale by the way) and assume an exclusive relationship with the T. Apparently this isn’t the case for the rest of Boston. Perhaps the Big Dig has actually achieved the goal of making automotive travel convenient for commuters in Boston. Perhaps the Dan Grabauskas’ explanation of the sluggish economy in Boston is actually culpable; remember it has also been blamed for the population drop recently. Or maybe Boston is just a walking city and a dollar-and-a-quarter is a bit much to go three blocks in 53 minutes. The MBTA manager promises to step up service in lieu of a flashy T ad campaign. Maybe Mitt could keep paying his buck to ride between Park Street and Downtown Crossing to help the T make up the deficit, too bad it’s been $1.25 for a year and a half.