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Bite Size News, November 10: Cuts That Hurt Edition
Complaints about the MBTA are typical, but the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company [MBCR] is about to feel the heat of the spotlight. Noah Bierman at the Globe released some depressing news for regular rail riders--compared to other similar commuter rail services, the MBCR is the least reliable.
It gets worse: "And since January, the system has posted its worst on-time performance yet: 84.5 percent of the commuter trains have been on time, compared to 94 percent or higher for rail lines in other states." In short, the MBCR is getting its ass kicked.
Tomorrow, the MBTA is going to consider whether or not to extend the contract to Massachusetts Bay Commuter or extend it just long enough so that they can find someone else to run the rails. If you ride the commuter rail, Bierman's piece is a must-read because it details the chummy relationship between the MBTA and the MBCR and even more problems on the lines. So, would a change in management help, or does the problem run deeper than that?
Image of commuter rail trains lying in wait from gooru from photos labeled "Bostonist" on Flickr.
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Commuter rail riders should be outraged. Massachusetts tax payers should be outrage. Our region needs a sound mass transit system. If our commuter rail system was properly run, more cars would be off of the road.
I, unfortunately, need to rely on the Worcester-Framingham commuter rail line to commute into Boston. I cannot believe that I pay so much money for such poor service.