MBTA plans increased service as coronavirus restrictions loosen

Mask wearing, social distancing and reduced crowding will all be a part of the “new normal” for riding the T as coronavirus restrictions ease up, Massachusetts gets back to work and the MBTA brings more trains and buses back into service, officials said Wednesday.

“The new normal for the T will very much be dictated by crowding thresholds,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said.

The MBTA has cut train and bus service almost in half as ridership has dropped by roughly 90% since coronavirus spread to Massachusetts. But as Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plans push forward, officials are preparing for the inevitable return of T riders and unveiled their plans to resume a more regular schedule at a briefing Wednesday at the Blue Line’s Maverick Station in East Boston.

Offices outside of Boston were allowed to reopen at reduced capacity on Tuesday. Come Monday, Boston offices will also be allowed to open at 25% capacity.

Officials said service levels on the MBTA will increase during phase 2 of the governor’s four-phase reopening plan. That could happen as soon as June 8, but Baker has repeatedly said the rollout will depend on key health metrics the state is monitoring closely.

Poftak said the MBTA is tracking “crowding thresholds” and adding service as needed to make sure social distancing and other guidelines can be followed as riders return. For example, a bus with 58 passengers was considered crowded before the pandemic, but the threshold is now just 20 passengers.

Baker reiterated that “everyone has a role to play” in ensuring a smooth and safe reopening and also urged companies to allow workers to continue working from home.

“Buses, ferries and trains are unique environments. Fighting the virus in these settings is only possible through shared responsibility,” Baker said.

“Employers need to work with us to gradually bring workers back, especially here in Boston and the urban core, to ensure the T and highway network can accommodate the growing demand,” Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said.

Baker was joined at the Maverick Blue Line Station by Poftak and Pollack in part to also highlight ways the T has taken advantage of the reduction in ridership to fast-track improvement projects. The Blue Line work included replacing 2,200 feet of track and is part of the $8 billion MBTA modernization plan aimed at improving service.

“This work will be finished more than two months sooner than previously anticipated,” Baker said.

The project will be completed in two weeks as opposed to the 12 to 14 weeks originally planned.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3cg15Nv