How can MBTA handle increase in traffic as more commuters ditch their cars?

BOSTON — Drive on I-93 South or take public transit? Jassie Nova lives in a new building right next to the Forest Hills T stop in Jamaica Plain; for her the decision is a no brainer.

"It's very convenient, the train is right there," she said.

"A lot of people here don't drive."

Colin Gibbons lives there for the same reasons.

"It's near the grocery store and near the subway," he said.

He owns no car and has no plans to get one. Gibbons says living in what's called a 'transit-oriented development' is smart.

Related: 25 Investigates: Popular MBTA rideshare program leaving many wheelchair users with no ride

The T thinks so too and has several similar projects in the works from Newburyport to Quincy. Similar projects are being built near commuter rails stops like the one in Walpole.

In a statement to Boston 25 News, the MBTA expressed their support of the projects.

"The MBTA is an enthusiastic supporter of transit-oriented development," said MBTA Spokesman Joe Pesaturo.

But with all the new buildings will come many more commuters, and that concerns some. However, the T says it'll be ready.

"With new trains and upgrades to signal systems, the T is increasing capacity and service frequency on its subway lines," Pesaturo said.

Despite recent train troubles, commuters like Gibbons are willing to ditch their cars and take the train.

"It makes a lot of sense, it's more cost-effective," he said. "You can have more people ride the subway by buying a few more cars than by building a highway."

Cox Media Group