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By Barry M. Steinberg, Board Member
Approved by the APT Board, 11 December 2002
Note: MBTA text in italics.
Operate 8-car Trains on Red Line
A good idea, but a major investment that would affect every rapid transit station on the Red Line.
To the extent the T is serious about this, the stations that are about to be rehabilitated or rebuilt anyway (Charles, Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut and Ashmont) should be so equipped.
An alternative to putting a significant investment into extending platforms in all those stations is building a rail Urban Ring. It would both serve areas that need it and funnel off riders whose destinations are not really those on the Red Line. The rail Urban Ring does not have to actually go 360 degrees around Boston all at one time. It could start off as a rail line in the sectors that have the highest (a) potential ridership and that (b) lead to the greatest operational efficiency.
Signal and Train Control Improvements on Red Line
To allow more frequent peak service. This is a prudent expenditure. Since the technology changes more and more frequently, it may be time to rehabilitate the signal system anyway.
Update Mattapan-Ashmont Line to Full Light-Rail Standards
Questions:
Is the greater capacity involved in using ‘bumped’ existing Green Line vehicles on this line warranted by the ridership (or potential additional ridership)?
Would it make economic and operational sense to extend the rapid transit to Mattapan instead? This subject has been studied to death in the past. It likely would involve a limiting of number of intermediate stops.
Upgrade Signal System between Haymarket and Oak Grove
This probably is necessary regardless of other initiatives.
Operate 8-car Trains on Orange Line
Probably not necessary.
Operate 6-car Trains on Blue Line
Includes platform extensions. Should be done.
Together with the extension to a connection with the Red Line and the rebuilding of Government Center (Blue and Green), if clearances were improved, it would permit longer cars.
Signal and Train Control Improvements on Green Line
The most important improvements would be a study of how to speed passenger exchange at Government Center and Park St. Signal system change may not lead to service improvements.
Preemptive Signals on Beacon, Commonwealth and Huntington
This is something that should be done immediately. No further study, no further thought: Do it!
Improve Travel Time/speeds on Riverside Line
A good short-range project with positive payback.
Operate 4-car Trains on Green Line
Impractical, especially on the E Heath St. route. This sounds like an employment program for operators. A conversion to proof of payment and installation of unmanned second and third cars as in the newer light rail systems in other cities would likely be more practical. The alternative is some sort of non-labor-intensive fare collection system.
Construct Commonwealth Flats Grade-separation Project
As a part of conversion to light rail and an extension to core South Boston.
Something not on the list is drainage improvements at Wollaston Station.
Install Double-tracking on Entire Commuter Rail System
Not an all or nothing situation. It should be implemented where there are operational difficulties. Reading to Lawrence especially.
Electrify all Commuter Rail Lines
Not an all or nothing situation either. The North-South Rail Link would be the most significant impetus for electrification. Meanwhile, it would make sense to use electric vehicles on the Northeast Corridor, which already is electrified.
Purchase Diesel Multiple-unit Trains to Allow for Increased Frequency on Commuter Rail Lines.
This would be useful on lines that lend themselves to shorter, yet more frequent trains. Specifically the Indigo Line that has been proposed on the existing Fairmount route.
Many of the routes on the commuter rail system are plagued with long gaps in service that make travel inconvenient if the passenger has to work late or leave early. These gaps could be plugged by the use of smaller, less labor-intensive trains that run more often. This could also open commuter rail to new markets of those who refuse to wait an hour and a half or more for a train they know they can’t make.
Upgrade Station Signage for Commuter Rail Systemwide
We would be interested in further information about this proposal.
Install Automatic Passenger Counters on Buses
As an alternative, what about the new fare system that is in its first stages?
Upgrade Destination Signs and Install Automatic Stop Announcement Equipment on 1989, 1994 and 1995 buses
Probably a waste of money, unless the equipment can be re-used when purchasing new vehicles.
Install Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for Bus Fleet (Signal Prioritization, Automatic Vehicle Locator [AVL], passenger information kiosks)
File under 'bells and whistles'. We are not convinced that the T is actually going to use this information for useful purposes.
Build New Park-and-ride Lots along Existing Express Bus Routes
Yes.
Improve Bus Stop Signage
Low tech, but necessary. Locate signs in such a way that they don’t get knocked down by cars or trucks.
Have Signs in Multiple Languages
Unnecessary except in Chinatown or other ethnic enclaves. The standard graphics are self-explanatory.