I'm completely on board (get it! train reference) with the Mary Baker Eaton and the Masked Preservationist campaign to blast the MBTA and elected officials with messages of support for the commuter rail (specifically the weekened commuter rail line.) Please click on one of the links and follow the directions.
The train service to Newburyport is pathetic, but at least it's there. I do like the city and chamber's plan to use the train as a source of tourists (i.e. business) but more personally, my family is able to get by on one car because the train is available to us. We should be empowering all people to drive less, not more.
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Tom, I need to take exception to your description of the train service as 'pathetic'. I hope you're not expecting as many trains per day as the subway system operates.
Yes, pathetic. I absolutely think trains should be running out of Newburyport every 7-10 minutes.
I mean, seriously, what's the point of having trains if I need to follow "schedules." The train should be running when I need them to and when I don't need them to. I shouldn't be forced to race to the station to catch the 7:08 or the 8:05.
After all, even though I didn't grow up here I certainly think I know what's best for this community. It needs to be EXACTLY like the big-city community in which I grew up.
BTW, the above comment is total sarcasm.
Yes, pathetic might be a tad strong. But there's only two or three trains in the morning and an equal number at night.
The weekend trains are far too infrequent for widespread use. But I'm simply glad they exist.
If the trains are to become a true alternative to driving, we'd need to add some additional trains. But I do understand money is an issue.
BTW, does anyone else think the MBTA is floating the rumors about discontinuing service to shut up those complaining about the exorbitant $4 parking fee?
It's not just about the MBTA's money problem; it's about ridership numbers as well.
There simply aren't enough riders to justify more trains on the weekend, and it's not just Newburyport with the low ridership numbers but the entire North Shore line from Newburyport down to Salem.
The same thing holds true for the morning/evening trains. I'd LOVE to have more flexible options regarding the train schedules, but realistically there have been times when I've had the car entirely to myself.
This is a classic chicken/egg problem.
I agree completely.
I simply mean the MBTA can't afford to run enough trains to really grab the attention of travelers to Boston. I understand why, and I don't blame anyone for the current set up. However, the trains run to infrequently to warrant serious consideration for many trips downtown.
For example, I'd love to take a train to Boston on nights i go out with friends, and I've had the opportunity to stay at someone's house if I miss the late train. But I think the earliest I could get back to Newburyport is 11 am, far too late to start my day.
Perhaps it's a dream, but if we had a fully loaded schedule more people might give the train more consideration. Then again, they might not (or at least they won't until gas prices rise again.)
Bottom line, the current schedule is barely adequate. But it's far, far, far better than nothing.
If only we were Socialist, like France, and we'd have amazing high-speed train service nationwide.
Seriously, though, we need to fight for weekend train service. That fight starts with electing better state officials and curbing wasteful spending.
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