MBTA to Launch New T-Alerts Service in June

The new system will provide more detailed service alert information via text and email.

The MBTA is rolling out an entirely new alerts system next month which includes changes from the details provided in alert messages to a visual website enhancement.     Through the new system, which goes into effect June 4, users can opt to receive email or text alerts for a late bus or train or a service interruption, much like the old system. However, the new alerts “will be clearer and more detailed with additional information regarding specific trip times, service schedule changes, and distinct directional, branch, and station communications,” according to an MBTA press statement Thursday.   The system uses standards introduced by Google in 2011, the statement says. Interested users must sign up for the new system as they will no …

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88-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed in MBTA Bus Accident

The incident happened shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Franklin and Pratt Streets.

Updated at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday An 88-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a MBTA bus in the area of Franklin and Pratt Streets Tuesday night, according to Kenneth Green, deputy chief for the MBTA Transit Police. Police responded to the accident scene at the corner of Franklin and Pratt Streets at 7:06 p.m. Melrose Police and Fire units also responded. Based on their initial investigation, police believe the 88-year-old man was crossing the street when he was struck by the 131 Melrose Highlands bus. The victim, whose name is being withheld pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene and later transported to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. "The victim was attempting to cross the street," Green said. "The bus was …

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beth carroll

9:28 am on Thursday, May 9, 2013

betsey, i actually drove home Franklin St last night, after posting my comment, to check what's already there - there are 3 or 4 crosswalks, and only one has a reflective sign.   more ›

MBTA Police Create Website for Injured Officer Richard Donohue Jr.

The MBTA Transit Police Benevolent Fund has created a website to benefit Winchester native and wounded Officer Richard Donohue Jr., according to the transit police blog.

The MBTA Transit Police Benevolent Fund Inc. has created a website to benefit Winchester native and wounded Officer Richard "Dic" Donohue Jr., according to the transit police blog. "Officer Richard Donohue is showing some positive signs of recovery but it will be a long and difficult road for him and his family," reads the website. "The MBTA Police Association Benevolent Fund, Inc. is seeking donations to assist him and his family in this difficult time."   Visitors to the Officer Richard Donohue Fund website can make a donation by clicking the "Donate" Paypal button located toward the bottom of the page, which will redirect you to the MBTA Police Association Benevolent Fund Paypal page. Alternatively, checks can be made payable to MBTA …

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Brother of Injured MBTA Officer Releases Statement

Edward Donohue, brother of Winchester native Richard "Dic" Donohue Jr., the MBTA Transit Police officer injured during a Thursday night shootout with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, released a statement Saturday.

The brother of Winchester native Richard "Dic" Donohue Jr., the MBTA Transit Police officer injured during a Thursday night shoot-out with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, has released a statement, according to a Tufts Medical Center press statement. In the statement, Edward Donohue, a Winchester Police officer, said: "Dic still has a long road to go before we can safely say he has made it out of the woods. We are proud of his actions and extremely grateful for those courageous officers and EMTs on scene who braved gunfire and explosives to render critical care to Dic that has brought us to this point. The Mount Auburn Hospital doctors and nurses have performed extraordinarily well and their staff has been incredible. This week has …

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Several MBTA Services Suspended Following Marathon Explosion

Some T stations in the downtown area have been temporarily suspended.

MBTA T service in downtown Boston is in varying stages of suspension as emergency crews respond to the aftermath of at least two explosions at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. The MBTA’s Green Line service between Kenmore and Park Street stations has been shut down as of 3:30 p.m. today, although Green Line service will continue to run between Lechmere and North Station, according to MBTA.com. Both the Green Line's B and C services have been temporarily suspended, and the D line is only running from Riverside to Fenway. The Green Line's E service is still running between Northeastern and Brigham Circle. Customers who need service between Brigham Circle and Health Street are being asked to use the Route 39 bus. In addition, the …

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'Orange Line Report' Recommends Priorities for MBTA Line

The report reveals that 42 percent of residents in the Orange Line corridor are people of color, that 20 percent of households live in poverty, and that the corridor is ripe for development.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council Tuesday released a study called the "Orange Line Opportunity Corridor Report." The report looks at the demographics, economy and infrastructure of the MBTA line, which stretches from Malden, through Somerville, into downtown Boston, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain. The MBTA is currently building a new Orange Line Station in Somerville's Assembly Square that is expected to open in 2014. It's the fist new MBTA station built since 1987. The report makes a number of observations and recommendations about the Orange Line. For instance: The report calls for investing in the Orange Line's infrastructure, encouraging large-scale land acquisition for development, and mitigating displacement of at-risk residents …

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Mass. Tax Plans: Too Much, Too Soon? Or Too Little, Too Slow?

Should the state forge ahead with Gov. Deval Patrick's bold plan to invest now? Or should it follow the Legislature leadership's proposal to address the bottom line before embarking on bigger initiatives?

Massachusetts legislators this week answered Gov. Deval Patrick's ambitious plan to raise $1.9 billion for transportation and education with a $500 million plan of their own, which says the governor is asking for too much, too soon as the Bay State shakes off the effects of the Great Recession. Who's right? Should the state forge ahead in a bold plan to invest now? Or should it cautiously address the bottom line before embarking on bigger initiatives? While Patrick's plan includes funding for both the state transportation system and increased education funding from preschool through college, House and Senate lawmakers eschew new revenue for education, focusing solely on closing the transportation budget gap over the next five years. The …

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Andrew Sylvia

9:26 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Bottom left of the page under "About Patch"   more ›

You Ask, Patch Answers

MBTA: Oak Grove Bike Cage Expected to Open in April

With the majority of work done at the Oak Grove “Pedal & Park” site, the bike cage is expected to open this spring, according to a MBTA spokeswoman.

A reader recently submitted a "You Ask Patch Answers" question about when the Oak Grove bike cage would be opening. So, we found out where things currently stand with the project. With the majority of work done at the Oak Grove “Pedal & Park” site, the bike cage is expected to open this spring, according to a MBTA spokeswoman. "The Oak Grove 'Pedal & Park' construction is substantially complete," wrote Kelly Smith, spokeswoman for the MBTA, in an email to Melrose Patch. "However, we are awaiting final approval from the state building inspector before it can be officially opened to the public. We expect to be able to open the facility in April." The most recent improvement made at the site include minor electrical work completed in January …

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