Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation

Update: RMV Branch Counter Fee Rescinded

At Governor Deval Patrick's direction today, March 2, the RMV rescinded the $5 branch counter fee on licensing and registration transactions.  MassDOT RMV customers are still encouraged to use the Registry of Motor Vehicles online branch for license and registration transactions.  

MassDOT today introduced five new reasons why it pays for customers to use the Registry of Motor Vehicle's online branch, mail-in registration and automated phone services.

Beginning March 1, 2010, customers can avoid a $5 branch counter fee on licensing and registration transactions by using the RMV’s online services for most of their Registry needs. The branch counter fee will apply to the following services: 

    * Renew your driver's license (every other renewal period)
    * Get a duplicate driver's license
    * Renew or duplicate MA ID
    * Renew your passenger vehicle registration
    * Request an attested driving record

Customers who visit the RMV online branch at www.mass.gov/rmv can now renew or get duplicates of their driver's license, Mass ID and registration; conduct 90% of the paperwork for a new license or out-of-state license conversion; order a driving record, police crash report and FastLane Transponder; change an address, check a vehicle title, registration or license expiration date, sign up for organ donation, pay citations and cancel their license plates.

Through transportation reform promoted by the Patrick-Murray Administration, the RMV division has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by expanding online services, consolidating RMV office space and using rent-free locations for new express branches.

MassDOT's RMV division serves more than 4.7 million licensed drivers and 5.8 million vehicle registrations.

Army Corps: Sagamore Bridge Repairs Resume in March

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says deck repairs and paving on the Sagamore Bridge spanning the Cape Cod Canal are scheduled to restart as soon as March 1 and continue until late spring 2010.  One third of the roadway width was completed last fall with the remaining two-thirds planned to be completed this spring.

The Corps says travel restrictions will begin, weather permitting, as soon as Monday, March 1st at 10 a.m. and continue through late Spring.  Travel restrictions will stay in place 24-hours a day, 7- days a week. Motorists planning to use the Sagamore Bridge during this period should be aware that travel delays are likely to occur during the morning and afternoon peak travel periods each day.

The Army Corps and Canal Area Regional Traffic Task Force worked with MassDOT during the winter to coordinate construction activities and minimize congestion and inconvenience in order to complete work prior to peak traffic season. The work consists of removing existing pavement and installation of a new asphalt pavement surface on the Sagamore Bridge. The Bridge deck was last repaired 29 years ago.  

Visit the Army Corps website to learn more. 

Green Line Extension Field Work Locations

MassDOT is performing field work for the Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford. Work includes field surveys, noise and vibration testing, and soil borings.

Residents may see soil boring work this week at  Broadway and Medford Street, Somerville.  Next week work will be done on Walnut Street, Somerville.  This work will be done on streets near the existing bridges over the MBTA Lowell Commuter Line between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM weekdays.

Residents may see field survey work this week and next week at the following locations:

Medford/Somerville intersection, Somerville
Washington/McGrath intersection, Somerville
Broadway Bridge, Somerville/Medford
Harvard Street Bridge, Medford
College Avenue Bridge, Medford
Cedar Street Bridg, Somerville

Please do not be concerned if you see people performing the work described here; they are authorized to be in and around the MBTA right-of-way.  Please contact Green Line Extension Project Manager Kate Fichter with questions at 617-973-7342 and katherine.fichter@state.ma.us.

Learn more about the Green Line Extension.

Rail Commuter Lauds "Real-Time" Information

Real-time arrival information now available along the MBTA commuter rail network is making a positive difference for commuters.

After taking the Fitchburg Line home earlier this month, customer Selena Tan told the T, "the new GPS notification of train arrival at the platform is excellent!  It makes all the difference to know whether to scramble to catch a connecting bus around the corner or just wait patiently because the train is a little late.  Thanks!"

The installation of Global Positioning Satellite equipment on the Commuter Rail network allows the MBTA to provide customers waiting on the platform with a six-minute countdown displayed on electronic message boards.

Real-time arrival information became available on the Fitchburg line on February 11 and is now available on all MBTA commuter rail lines with two exceptions.  The Newburyport & Rockport line will receive the service next week, and the Providence/Stoughton line on March 9. 

Visit MBTA on the web and learn more.

 

MBTA Crew Overnight Work Saves Red Line Commute

Hard work overnight by MBTA crews following the crash of a vehicle into a Red Line train preserved this morning's commute.

At 12:32 this morning, Transit Police along with Boston and Cambridge Fire and EMS, responded to the Longfellow Bridge on the Cambridge side where a motor vehicle that had struck Red Line Train #1811, which was traveling adjacent to motor vehicle traffic over the bridge on a partitioned right of way.

The van crashed through the metal fenced partition and struck the last two cars of the Red Line Train. Approximately 50 passengers from the train were evacuated to Charles/MGH Station. There were no reported injuries. The van operator was placed under arrest.

There was structural damage to the train and the partition. But thanks to MBTA crews that worked overnight on a frigid, wind-swept bridge, Red Line service was restored in time for the start of service at 5 a.m.

MassDOT Secretary & CEO Jeff Mullan praised the work of the authorities and MBTA crew, telling the Boston Globe, “I’m thankful that no one was hurt, I’m thankful that it didn’t result in any more damage than is apparent, and I’m thankful for the great work of the MBTA overnight crew to get service moving first thing this morning.”

Read the Globe story.

Hull Commuter Lauds Ferry Skipper

Posted by Joe Berkeley, Hull commuter

Yesterday, at approximately 7:05 am the MBTA commuter boat Salem Ferry left the Hull dock to go to Boston. Shortly after departure, the steering rod sheered off and the boat lost all steerage. Because of the calm, careful leadership of the skipper, Meghan, the boat was gently beached until help could arrive. In my humble opinion, Meghan is the most talented skipper in the entire commuter boat fleet. She is often at the helm of Voyager III, the most difficult boat, as it has high freeboard and is a handful to land in a 30 knot breeze. Meghan makes it look easy and almost always lands the boat perfectly on on the first attempt. Meghan is a great example of grace under pressure and she is worthy of a citation for her calm, cool service.

MassDOT and MBTA congratulate commuter boat Captain Meghan McLaughlin on a job well done.  Visit the MBTA website to learn more about ferry service.

Route 9 Burns Bridge Public Meeting

A Public Information Meeting for the Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge Replacement Project, Route 9 over Lake Quinsigamond, is set for:

Thursday, March 11, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Worcester Technical High School
1 Skyline Drive, Worcester

The meeting will include information about the project and the different bridge types being evaluated as part of the federal and state environmental assessment process. The project team and MassDOT will also summarize comments received to date, answer questions, and gather public comment on the design alternatives. 

The Kenneth F. Burns Memorial Bridge project is part of Governor Deval Patrick's historic eight-year, $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program to repair or replace structurally-deficient bridges across the Commonwealth.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Stephanie Boundy, 617-973-8049 or Stephanie.Boundy@state.ma.us.  Learn more about the Accelerated Bridge Program. 

MassDOT Developers Real-Time Challenge

MassDOT today announced the MassDOT Developers Real-Time Challenge.  The Challenge calls on developers to create both software applications and physical installations using a real-time feed of MBTA bus locations and arrival predictions with the goal of making this information available anywhere, anytime.  The challenge has two categories, with a $500 cash prize for the winner in each and recognition at a March event.

•    Software Applications Challenge: This challenge calls on developers to create applications using the MBTA Real-Time XML Trial Feed accessible through the internet, mobile phones, land-line phones, text messages, software applications and any widely accessible software platform.  Examples include: smartphone applications, web applications, websites, computer applications, SMS services, and phone-based IVR systems.

•    Physical Installation Challenge: This challenge calls on developers to create physical installations making information from the MBTA Real-Time XML Trial Feed accessible in public locations.  These solutions must be installed along at least one of the five MBTA Routes for which the feed is available on non-MBTA property.  Examples include: LED countdown signs in businesses or other locations along the route, LCD countdown signs in businesses or other locations along the routes, bus arrival indicators, physical signs informing users of the existence of real-time data through the phone or on the web, or the inclusion of the MBTA real-time bus information in existing installations along the MBTA Bus routes. Rules and FAQ are here.

The Challenge begins today, and applications and installations can be submitted through March 19, 2010.

The challenge requires that developers use real-time information provided through the MassDOT Developers page.  Pilot MBTA bus routes with real-time information included bus route 39, which serves Jamaica Plain, the Longwood Medical Area and Back Bay in Boston; and bus routes 111, 114, 116 and 117, which serve Haymarket Station, East Boston, Chelsea and Revere.  Access the feed here.

The Real-Time Challenge builds on MassDOT’s 2009 Developer Challenge and Conference which spurred the creation of more than six applications using the MBTA’s trip planning data.   Together, the efforts further MassDOT's historic step toward openness and transparency through creation of the MassDOT Developers Page in the summer of 2009. 

Fed Stimulus Boosts New Bedford, Revere, Fitchburg Line

Governor Deval Patrick and the state’s Congressional delegation today announced Massachusetts has been awarded $95.5 million in major federal stimulus Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants to fund critical transportation improvement and economic growth projects for South Coast Rail, Revere’s Wonderland transit station and Fitchburg Commuter Rail Service.  

“These three grants will create jobs, spark economic growth and support critical transportation improvements in regions of our state that deserve better transit and rail service,” said Governor Deval Patrick.

The three separate TIGER grant awards include:

o    $55.5 million for the Fitchburg Commuter Rail extension project which includes track improvements for freight and passenger rail, a new Wachusett commuter rail station and layover facility. The facility is expected to serve over 400 new commuter rail passengers in 2012.  The project will create an estimated 306 construction jobs in the short-term and at least 855 new jobs in the long-term. The grant, a priority of Congressman John Olver, was a joint application of the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, the City of Fitchburg, Town of Westminster, MBTA Pan Am Southern, and OMNOVA Solutions, Inc.

o    $20 million to reconstruct structurally-deficient rail bridges in New Bedford, above, that are immediately north of the planned Whale’s Tooth Station for the South Coast Rail project.  The bridge work is the first step in the groundbreaking “Fast Track New Bedford” project that will revitalize New Bedford’s waterfront and initiate construction of a key component of South Coast Rail.  

o    $20 million for multi-modal improvements to the Wonderland Station area in Revere. The original grant included a proposed multi-modal path, creation of an employment center, green design and energy efficiency components and important accessibility and state of good repair projects.  The grant was a joint application of the City of Revere and Congressman Edward Markey.

Read more on Governor Patrick's website.  The nationwide list of TIGER grants and details are here.  Learn more about Massachusetts federal stimulus transportation projects. 

BU Bridge Closures Set

On Sunday, February 21, 2010 through Thursday, March 4, 2010 the Boston University Bridge over the Charles River between Cambridge and Boston, will be closed to traffic from 9 PM to 5 AM, Sunday through Thursday, each week.  The upstream sidewalk will remain open during the bridge closure for bicycle and pedestrian access.  Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternative routes during the closures.

MassDOT crews will be completing demolition work as part of the first phase of construction on the Boston University Bridge Rehabilitation Project. All Cambridge-to-Boston traffic and Boston-to-Cambridge traffic will be detoured to the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Buses and emergency vehicles will be permitted to cross the bridge.   Learn more about MassDOT road and bridge projects.