In a presentation to the Fiscal Management Control Board yesterday, the MBTA announced a proposed suite of service cuts and capital reallocation maneuvers to address a projected $579 million budget gap in FY22 as part of its “Forging Ahead” initiative. The plan will shave an estimated $130 million in annual expenditures; 35% of savings are directly attributed to service level reductions on Commuter Rail.

Proposed service reductions are likely to remain in place for several years. Click here to learn more about MBTA's "Forging Ahead" initiative. 

There will be several public meetings hosted by MBTA to make detailed presentations and receive public feedback on the topic; further, the MBTA will make a presentation to the Partnership's Transportation Committee on Tuesday, December 1st at 8:30 AM regarding the proposed service changes. More details on these sessions can be found below.

Elimination of weekend service on Commuter Rail is slated to begin in January, with other scheduling modifications targeted for May. 

Proposed Commuter Rail Service Changes:

Commuter Rail Capital Projects placed “On Pause:”

The MBTA is seeking public feedback and engagement as it moves forward with this process. The MBTA will be holding 11 public meetings over Zoom (nine regional meetings, two system-wide meetings). These meetings can be joined by computer, smartphone app, or telephone.

Region One (Majority of 495/MetroWest Partnership Communities): **TONIGHT November 10th at 6:00 PM; click here to register. This meeting will focus on bus and Commuter Rail service (Fitchburg, Framingham/Worcester, and Needham Lines).

Region Eight (Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham): November 30th at 6:00 PM; click here to register. This meeting will focus on bus and Commuter Rail (Providence/Stoughton and Franklin Lines). 

The Transportation Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, December 1st, at 8:30 AM. Click here to register.

The Transportation Committee will hear a presentation from MBTA Assistant General Manager for Policy Laurel Paget-Seekins regarding upcoming MBTA service reductions, including reductions to Commuter Rail. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and to offer feedback on the proposed service changes.

This meeting is open to all interested persons, though advance registration is required. Click here to register.

Sincerely,

Jason Palitsch

Executive Director

The 495/MetroWest Partnership