BOSTON — The MBTA’s oversight board is expected to take up several service cuts. The long list of cuts may be shortened after commuter outcry.
Senator Ed Markey and representatives Ayanna Pressley and Stephen Lynch are holding a news conference later Monday morning opposing the cuts.
The MBTA plans to reduce service in the first half of 2021 to help make up for millions in losses. Authorities have had to reduce services because of COVID-19 shortages.
Starting Monday for at least two weeks, there will only be 246 daily trains on the commuter rail instead of the normal 500-plus trains.
On weekdays, trains will run on the storm schedule, which means there will still be daily service on all lines and at the every station, just fewer trains. There won’t be any changes to the weekend schedule.
Current ridership on commuter rail trains is only about 13% of what it was prior to the pandemic. Ridership is also typically lower during the holidays in December.
In November, the MBTA proposed a package of cuts that would result in cuts on daily trains and bus routes, eliminate weekend commuter rail and ferry service, and closer earlier at night. But after facing heavy opposition from riders, the MBTA said it would likely scale back its plan.
State officials have also said that even with federal help, some services still will be cut to match ridership. Those people who oppose the cuts say it will be bad timing, as service will be reduced right as vaccines will be available to the public.
The details of the MBTA’s new proposal have not been released, but that should be made available later Monday when the board meets.
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