T Conductors to Get Real Time Info in Their Hands

A new device will be distributed to conductors on MBTA conductors that will give them real-time information about trains all across the rail system.

A new pilot program being dubbed “Conductor Companion” is being unveiled on the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s commuter rail system, putting complete details about train services across the system in the hands of conductors. The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company (MBCR), the contractor that runs the commuter railroad for the MBTA, made the announcement on Monday. Essentially it is a unique mobile application that will allow conductors on the MBTA commuter rail system to receive real-time information about service for the first time. “The speed of technology today demands an application that gives conductors the information they need and that customers want,” said Gillian Wood, MBCR’s chief customer service officer in Monday…

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Letters to the Editor

Letter: Dolan Says MBTA Proposals Would Have 'Severe Negative Impact'

Mayor Rob Dolan writes to the acting General Manager of the MBTA about the proposed commuter rail and bus service cuts.

Editor's note: The Mayor's Office provided a copy of this letter to Melrose Patch. January 30, 2012 Jonathan R. Davis Acting General Manager Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910 Boston, MA 02116 Dear Mr. Davis, I am respectfully writing to express my deep concern relative to the recent proposals put forth by the MBTA for decreases in service for the upcoming fiscal year. These proposed measures would have a severe negative impact for the City of Melrose. As Mayor of a city with three commuter rail stations and multiple bus routes, I see firsthand the important role public transportation plays into the daily lives of many of my residents and businesses. Accessible and convenient MBTA services are part of what makes …

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Poll Results: The Commuter Rail Gets an 'A' for On-Time Performance

The majority of people who took a poll last week said the train almost always arrives on time when they take it.

Last Thursday, Melrose Patch asked commuter rail riders how they would grade its on-time performance, given that the MBTA had recently released a report saying that trains had arrived on-schedule 92.8 percent of the time in December.  Riders' experiences seemed to back up the official numbers. As of Wednesday morning, 34 people had taken the poll. The results?  What do you think of the results? If do didn't do it the first time around, tell us in the comments section how the commuter rail as served you well or not so well. 

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POLL: Grade the Commuter Rail's On-Time Performance

How well does the MBTA's commuter rail line serve Melrose?

The MBTA's commuter rail arrived on schedule 92.8 percent of the time in December, its best record since June 2009, according to a press release from the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (see attached PDF).  Melrose has three commuter rail stops (Wyoming Hill, Cedar Park and Melrose Highlands), so we wanted to know if the reported on-time performance rings true to riders here.  So take our poll, and tell us in the comments section how the commuter rail as served you well or not so well. 

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