01/27/2012

USDOT on Transit Apps: MBTA Sets National Example

The U.S. Department of Transportation this week singled out the MBTA as among those transit agencies leading the way nationally in facilitating smart phone transit apps that provide customers with real-time information about bus and train location and arrival.

A USDOT "FastLane" blog article entitled, "Transit Apps Empower Riders with Information," says more people use public transportation when they have access to more accurate information about the location and arrival time of the next bus or train. Yet its review of 276 transit agencies found just 15 that offer riders real-time information about the next arrival. It provides the MBTA as one example:

"Boston's MBTA had one solution. They discovered that opening the data from their system to the public actually reduced their own costs because app developers and everyday citizens took the data and designed ways to make it useful to riders. One coffee shop actually has installed a real-time countdown sign that tells customers when the next train is due at a nearby station."

Read the entire article on the USDOT FastLane blog. And visit the MBTA App Showcase to check out the latest apps built by independent developers at no cost to the T that help customers know where the next bus or train is located and when it will arrive.

MBTA Hearings: Boston Neighborhoods

The MBTA next week continues a series of more than 20 public hearings regarding proposed fare and service changes with four hearings in Boston neighborhoods. The public is encouraged to participate.

Tuesday, January 31, Mattapan: 6:00-8:00 PM, Mildred Avenue Community Center, 5 Mildred Avenue

Wednesday, February 1, Jamaica Plain: 6:00-8:00 PM, Hennigan Community Center, 200 Heath Street

Thursday, February 2, Dorchester: 1:00-3:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM , Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, 1353 Dorchester Avenue

For a full list of future public meetings and information, please visit MBTA.com/join the discussion.

Have your voice heard by sending an email with your questions, comments, and ideas to fareproposal@mbta.com. The MBTA’s public outreach process continues with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.

A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA’s Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.

Fore River Bridge Replacement Hearing Set

MassDOT has scheduled a Design Public Hearing for the proposed Fore River Bridge Replacement Project in Weymouth-Quincy for the following date and location:

Thursday, February 9, 7pm, Adams Middle School Auditorium, 89 Middle Street, East Weymouth

The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed bridge replacement alternative. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.

The proposed project funded by the Patrick-Murray Administration's historic Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally-deficient bridges will replace the current temporary bridge with a new, movable span that will safely and efficiently meet the needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and maritime users for the next 75 years. The new bridge will include two travel lanes, a bicycle accommodating shoulder and sidewalk in each direction. The project also includes removal of the temporary bridge. Plans will be on display one-half hour before the hearing begins, with an engineer in attendance to answer questions regarding this project. For more information, visit the Fore River Bridge Project website.

Written statements and other exhibits in place of, or in addition to, oral statements made at the Public Hearing regarding the proposed undertaking are to be submitted to Thomas F. Broderick, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, MassDOT, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, ATTN: Michael O’Dowd, Project File No. 604382. Such submissions will also be accepted at the hearing. Project inquiries may be emailed to dot.feedback.highway@state.ma.us

MassDOT Board February Public Meeting

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors will hold its next regular public business meeting on Wednesday, February 1 , 1:00pm, MBTA Board Room, Suite 3910, State Transportation Building, Boston.    

 The MBTA Board will meet first at 1pm, followed by the MassDOT Board.  All meetings are open to the public. The meeting schedule is available on the MassDOT website.

Board Meeting Schedule