A Brighter Future?

So it's been ages (well, months) since I last wrote anything, but that is good in a way, as it means I have lots to talk about. Much is changing at the MBTA, or so it seems. Maybe it's just an effect of an election year, but the (T) is starting to do a lot of things right, or at least better than in the past. I find it remarkable just how focused the MBTA seems to be on improving at least some aspects of their customer service, and their operations. The MBTA started a pilot program of three-car trains several times a day at rush hour on the D Branch of the Green Line, following the completion of modernization/accessibility renovations at Copley station. After a number of years, the (T) was finally able to lengthen the GL trains, providing much-needed extra capacity on the longest line. After less than a week of the program, it was announced that three car trains would begin serving the overcrowded B line the very next week. Imagine that, a week after beginning the test on one line, they expand it to the one line that needs 3-cars the most. I think that were this test to have happened only a year or two ago, it would have been judged a failed experiment, not the successful necessity it seems to be. I have noticed further evidence of change at the (T). For instance, the MBTA certainly seems to be doing more rider surveys, and actually seems to be listening to them for once, surely a good sign for the future of Boston[s subway service, I hope. One such survey on the Commuter Rail concerns the issue of whether the MBCR (contract operator for the MBTA) should create Quiet Cars on the Commuter Rail. I know that on Amtrak those who utilize the Quiet Cars are quite fond of the calm, cellphoneless atmosphere, which might be well received on the longer distance CR trains. But, there is much more change abounding at the Commuter Rail. As I write this, there is a pair of mockups of the new series of bilevel commuter rail coaches from Hyundai Rotem currently parked on Track One at North Station, open for public viewing all this week. This demonstration is certainly another excellent idea, giving passengers a chance to view and experience the future of the Commuter Rail. But, I have even better news. These mockups of two bilevels aren't the only ones up north. That's right, THE NORTHSIDE HAS BILEVELS! Beginning only this past Monday, a small but increasing number of 900-series bilevel K Cars are entering Northside service on various lines. I personally rode the 922 on Tuesday morning on the Haverhill line, and all of the comments I heard from other passengers were quite positive, liking the extra seats and space provided by the larger cars, which for too long were kept exclusively to the South Side. It seems, thus, that the MBTA really is committed to improving all aspects of its customer service, and it certainly is a welcome change for the often-reviled MBTA. More on this and other topics later.

And so it goes, another day riding [a bilevel] forever 'neath the streets of boston.