Bostonist: What the T Needs Now, Is Love, Sweet Love?

Bob

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 09:06:11 -0500

The T is in a self-induced death spiral. Ever-worse service equals fewer riders, equals higher fares, equals fewer riders still. Brilliant strategy, don't you think?

K

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 02:26:22 -0500

You need to come visit seattle, where there isn't dick for real mass transit. Then you will be set right for a while.

Mark Richards

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:43:00 -0500

The MBTA is famous for "diversions". A "diversion of service", or "this train is on diversion", etc. (They've also used this gem: "this train is terminated", which brought visions of the Robot-Arnold). This is nothing but a diversion - one designed to keep the very general public off target. The issue as the commenter above points out is that the agency is going down by the bow and the issue that the transportation secretary brings to the table will have zero effect on it. When you go down by the bow, as in being $8 Billion in debt, you don't hand out flyers: "Please be courteous while drowning. Try not to flail the other victims. Give up your life ring for those in need." The transportation secretary has had, what, over a year to roll out this program. It took a year to print up some flyers and make a deal with a donut shop? The timing is too good. Stand by for more as the MBTA's "proposed" (assured) fare increase season reaches its usual political peak, and hold on to your wallets.

Mark

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:47:37 -0500

INDEED. The one thing I agree with in that article: T employees set an example for conduct. I've pointed out in the past that I shouldn't be witnessing conductors with cigarettes in hand ready to hop off at a trainstop and start puffing away along the edge of the platform when there's a huge problem with people standing directly in front of NO SMOKING signs and smoking away amidst morning crowds. It's with lament that I abandon the MBTA in two weeks and start driving north to work. I purposely planned the purchase of our new home last year to be within walking distance to a train stop so that I could get to work without starting a car. Late trains, lack of appropriate conduct or enforcement, and now, with temperatures rising, trains with broken AC in at least one car...MBTA: You're not a viable option for enough people and no one believes that raising fares is going to address service shortcomings sufficiently to lure new riders, or departed ones back. Note also: T employees who go through a 5-minute diatribe at every stop about courteous conduct and being nice to people and taking their belongings and blah blah blah don't set a courteous tone. It's condescening and obnoxious, especially when piped through broken speakers. This is New England. It's not the South. Respect me by not wasting my time, and understand that most of the riders know the drill. You're only making an impression on the infrequent novelty riders that drive the rest of us insane. And while I'm ranting...How much did the new system in the T portion of North Station cost? It is USELESS to announce "The next North/Southbound train is now arriving." There are two tracks side by side (Orange and Green). Which are you referring to?? We're underground and used to In/Outbound! What the hell does North/South mean!? And what does it accomplish! I'm either on the platform, ready to board, or out of reach of a train that will depart just after pulling in. How many people should I push aside, trip, or tackle to run to board this incoming train you've announced with a recorded voice? Ugh. Spend some time in the trenches with the riders and figure out just how far off the mark you actually are.