JULY/AUGUST 2014 TRANSREPORT THE NEWSLETTER OF THE BOSTON REGION METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING ORGANIZATION IN THIS ISSUE New Transportation Studies in Region to NEW TRANSPORTATION STUDIES Get Underway This Fall Page 1 The Boston Region Metropol- programs that will be imple- urban core, and a study to itan Planning Organization mented in the future. identify low-cost ways to REMEDIES FOR SAFETY (MPO) gave the go-ahead reduce congestion at freeway AND TRAFFIC OPERATIONS for its staff to begin a number Among the new studies bottlenecks. PROBLEMS of new transportation studies that will get underway in Page 1 when it approved the federal October are an analysis of Descriptions of these studies, fiscal year (FFY) 2015 Unified impediments to bicycle and and many others, as well as SUMMER TRAVEL Planning Work Program on pedestrian access to stations descriptions of ongoing MPO Page 3 June 26. Studies in the UPWP on the Fairmount commuter projects and programs, can often represent a first step rail line, an examination of be found in the FFY 2015 BAY STATE BIKE WEEK in the process of planning for capacity constraints on the UPWP document. Click here Page 4 transportation projects and transportation system in the to view it online.

MPO ACTIVITIES Page 4 MPO Offers Remedies for Safety and Traffic AACT UPDATE Operations Problems at Intersections Page 5 Each year, the Boston Region the groundwork for the con- Braintree, Holbrook, Lynn, ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE MPO evaluates selected ceptual design of intersection and Waltham. Summaries are Page 6 intersections in the region to improvement projects. provided on page 2 and 3. identify traffic operations and Click here to view the full MEETING CALENDAR congestion problems relating In June, the MPO released report, Safety and Operations to how motor vehicles and the results of this year’s Analyses at Selected Intersec- transit vehicles are processed studies, which were conducted For the most recent tions, FFY 2013. through the intersections, for selected intersections in information about the Studies, continued on page 2 and safety concerns for following public meetings, motorists, bicyclists, and and others that may have pedestrians. been scheduled after

TRANSREPORT was released, Recommendations from visit www.bostonmpo.org the studies offer a range of or call 617-973-7100 (voice) solutions to the identified or 617-973-7089 (TTY). problems. Some are options A photo ID is required to that municipalities or district access most meeting sites. offices of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation AT THE STATE TRANSPOR- (MassDOT) can implement TATION BUILDING, right away and others may 10 PARK PLAZA, BOSTON require long-term planning. Frequently, these studies lay July 9 (Wednesday) Five Corners intersection in Braintree Regional Transportation Advisory Council. The members of the Boston Region MPO: Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Conference Rooms 2 and 3. Cities of Beverly, Boston, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Woburn, Federal Highway 3:00 PM Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Advisory Board, Massachusetts Port Authority, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Regional Transportation Advisory Council, Towns of Calendar, continued on page 2 Arlington, Bedford, Braintree, Framingham, Lexington, Medway, and Norwood Studies, continued from page 1 Calendar, continued from page 1

Western Avenue (Route 107) at July 10 (Thursday) Lynn Washington Street (Route 129) Boston Region Metropoli- The Problem: This location has a high number tan Planning Organization. of crashes, many involving pedestrians and Conference Rooms 2 and 3. bicyclists. There are no accommodations for 10:00 AM bicyclists. Poor traffic operations contribute to the problem of congestion at peak travel times. July 16 (Wednesday) Potential Solutions: Restripe the roadways ap- MassDOT Board of Directors. proaching the intersections to create turn lanes; Location TBD. 1:00 PM replace signals with ones that have flashing yellow left-turn arrows and pedestrian count- July 23 (Wednesday) down features; incorporate pedestrian signal timing in the signal operations plan; install signs Access Advisory Committee to instruct motorists to yield to pedestrians; to the MBTA: Board of add bicycle accommodations, such as bicycle Directors. Conference signal detection and sharrow markings on the roadway; install Opticom signal preemption Rooms 2 and 3. 10:00 AM equipment for public safety vehicles; and reconstruct wheelchair ramps to ADA to noon standards.

Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA: Membership. Conference Rooms 2 and 3. North/South Franklin Street (Route37) at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Union Street/Plymouth Street (Route 139) Holbrook

July 24 (Thursday) The Problem: This location is among the top 200 crash locations in the state, and more than over 30 Boston Region Metropoli- percent of the crashes at this intersection result in tan Planning Organization. personal injury. Frequently traffic backs up nearly Conference Rooms 2 and 3. half a mile during morning and evening peak travel 10:00 AM hours, but nearly 80 percent of crashes occur during off-peak hours. Speeding vehicles are likely the July 25 (Friday) cause of many crashes at this location.

MassDOT: Public-Private Potential Solutions: Retime the signals based on Partnership Oversight updated traffic and pedestrian counts to improve Commission Meeting. Suite operations; enforce the 25-mph speed limits for the 3830. 10:00 AM roadways approaching the intersection to reduce the crashes caused by speeding vehicles; widen the roadway shoulders to accommodate bicycles; and extend the westbound left-turn July 28 (Monday) lane.

MBTA Rider Oversight Com- mittee. Conference Rooms Franklin Street (Route 37) at West Street 1, 2, and 3. 5:00 PM to Braintree and Granite Street 7:00 PM The Problem: Often used as a cut-through by drivers trying to avoid traffic incidents or August 7 (Thursday) delays on Interstate 93 and Route 3, the Five Corners intersection is heavily congested during morning and evening peak travel hours and has a high crash rate. Boston Region Metropoli- tan Planning Organization. Potential Solutions: Retime the signals; install new pedestrian signal heads with Conference Rooms 2 and 3. countdown features; define the traffic lanes with pavement markings; modify the 10:00 AM entrances to nearby driveways; install signs to instruct motorists to yield to pedestrians; add bicycle accommodations, such as bicycle detection and signage; and reconstruct wheelchair ramps at the curbs to meet ADA standards.

Calendar, continued on page 3 Studies, continued on page 3

Page 2 TRANSREPORT Calendar, continued from page 2 Studies, continued from page 2 August 21 (Thursday) Lexington Street at Beaver Street Waltham Boston Region Metropoli- The Problem: This intersection is among the tan Planning Organization. top 200 crash locations in the state. Nearly 30 Conference Rooms 2 and 3. percent of crashes at this location involve 10:00 AM left-turning vehicles. Some drivers may be confused and think that there is a protected August 25 (Monday) phase on the green light for left-turning vehicles. Conflicts between pedestrians and traffic are MBTA Rider Oversight also common and there are no accommodations Committee. Conference for bicyclists. Rooms 1, 2, and 3. 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Potential Solutions: A suite of signal improve- ments, including the installation of traffic signals August 27 (Wednesday) for westbound right-turning vehicles and accessible pedestrian signals, the modification of the signal phasing to provide protection for crossing pedestrians, and the installation of Access Advisory Committee communications equipment for future signal coordination; a redesign of traffic islands to to the MBTA: Board of provide better protection for pedestrians; installation of signs alerting drivers to yield to Directors. Conference pedestrians; and construction of ADA-compliant curb ramps at crosswalks. Rooms 2 and 3. 10:00 AM to noon Summer Travel: Alternatives to Driving Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA: Membership. With the summer season in How about a beach trip that links Boston’s waterfront Conference Rooms 2 and 3. full swing, now is a great or antiquing on the North at Long Wharf and Logan Air- 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM time to start using your Shore? Crane Beach in Ipswich port with Hull and Hingham. vacation days. Whether you and the shops in Essex can You can also take a ferry are staying in the Common- be reached by commuter to Georges Island in Boston AT OTHER BOSTON AREA wealth or have plans farther rail (Ipswich Station on the Harbor and Grape Island in LOCATIONS away, it is possible for you Newburyport/Rockport Line) Hingham Bay. (Grape Island to get to your summer in conjunction with the Cape service is on an on-demand July 10 (Thursday) destination in convenient Ann Transportation basis and requires that a park and sustainable ways. Here Authority’s summer shuttle ranger be notified in advance.) MassDOT Public Meeting: are a few options that will service, the Ipswich-Essex Bikes are permitted on these Morton Street Bridge allow you to leave your car Explorer. The shuttle service ferries, at no charge. Click Project. Economy Plumbing at home this summer. operates through Labor Day. here for schedules and Training Room, 874 Morton Click here for a schedule. ticketing information. Street, Mattapan. 6:00 PM Commuter Rail to the to 7:30 PM Coast Ferry Services Boston Harbor Cruises also operates ferry service to the Heading to Cape Cod? This Interested in a day trip from islands in the Boston Harbor summer, for its second the city to explore Nantas- Islands National Recreation year, the CapeFLYER, a ket Beach, catch the vista Area, where you can weekend passenger train at historic Fort Revere, play explore Fort Warren, go for a with service from Boston’s the arcades in Hull, or visit hike, camp, hear a concert, South Station to Hyannis the historic sites or shops in or even watch an old-time on Cape Cod, can get you Hingham? Want to travel from baseball game. Ferries depart there. The CapeFLYER runs the South Shore for a cannoli from Long Wharf. Click here through Labor Day. The from Mike’s Pastry in Boston’s for a schedule. coaches have free Wi-Fi North End or visit Old and free bike storage, Ironsides? Day-trippers from the North and food is available. Shore who want to take a sea The CapeFLYER is also Now through Columbus Day route to Boston have a new pet-friendly. Click here weekend, the MBTA, in ac- option this year. In addition for schedules and ticketing cordance with Boston Harbor to the ferry service that now information. Cruises, is offering a new Sat- urday and Sunday ferry service Summer, continued on page 5 Calendar, continued on page 4

TRANSREPORT Page 3 Calendar, continued from page 3 Bay State Bike Week Tops Last Year’s Event The MPO complies with The results of this year’s Bay trips by bicycle and burned For more information about Title VI of the Civil Rights State Bike Week are in. This over a million calories. By bicycle transportation Act of 1964, the Ameri- is an annual event to promote getting out of their cars, they facilities and bicycle cans with Disabilities Act bicycling as a safe, healthy, also kept 11.2 tons of vehicle planning in Massachusetts, (ADA) of 1990, and other green, and fun form of emissions from entering the click here. federal and state nondis- transportation. Event atmosphere, while saving crimination statutes and organizers report that themselves a total of $14,000 regulations in all programs participants logged 7,084 in car-related expenses. and activities. The MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, English Boston Region MPO Activities proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, MPO Actions disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender The Boston Region MPO voted to approve Amendment Three to its FFYs 2014–17 identity or expression, or Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This amendment incorporates updates to military service. Any per- the costs of several of highway projects. son who believes herself/ It also programs grant funds awarded by himself or any specific MassDOT to transit providers in the region class of persons to have through a competitive grant awards program. been subjected to discrim- Grant recipients include two of the regional ination prohibited by Title transportation authorities that operate in the VI, the ADA, or other non- region—the Cape Ann Transportation Authority discrimination statute or and the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, regulation may, herself/ nonprofits that provide commuter shuttle himself or via a repre- services, Councils on Aging, and other elder sentative, file a written services organizations. Many of the grants will complaint with the MPO. be used to purchase new vehicles. Click here A complaint must be filed to view the details in the amended TIP. no later than 180 calendar days after the date on The MPO also voted to extend the public review period for the new draft FFYs 2015–18 which the person believes TIP to give the public ample time to review revisions to the document. The document was that the discrimination updated to include information pertaining to the financing of highway bridge projects and occurred. A complaint projects funded with federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program funds. The form and additional public review period will remain open until 5:00 PM on July 7, 2014. Click here to view the information can be document and here to submit a comment online. obtained by contacting the MPO (see below) or at New Studies www.boston mpo.org. The staff of the MPO has for many years been assisting the MBTA by compiling data on Meeting locations are passenger boardings and passenger-miles traveled on the MBTA’s bus, trolley, subway, and accessible to people with commuter rail systems. These data are submitted annually to the Federal Transit Adminis- disabilities and are near tration’s National Transit Database (NTD). Transit agencies must submit these data to the public transportation. NTD in order to remain eligible to receive federal funding. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advance of Traditionally, these data have been collected through manual methods, including the use of a meeting), every effort “ridechecks,” which are onboard counts of all passengers who get on and off of the transit will be made to provide vehicles. This year the MPO staff expects to branch out further in the use of automatically accommodations such as collected data, by testing the accuracy of data from automatic passenger counter (APC) assistive-listening devices, equipment on buses. In recent years, data from the MBTA’s automated-fare-collection materials in accessible (AFC) system, which registers passengers as they enter through station faregates or pay formats and in languages using fareboxes on vehicles, have also been incorporated. The increased use of automated other than English, and methods of data collection has the potential to reduce reliance on manual ridechecking methods and to reduce the cost of data collection. Calendar, continued on page 5

Page 4 TRANSREPORT Calendar, continued from page 4 ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE MBTA (AACT) UPDATE

interpreters of American MBTA General Manager Beverly A. Scott joined the meeting of the AACT on May 28 to Sign Language and other discuss a broad range of topics of interest to the membership, including projects and languages. Please contact initiatives the MBTA will be the MPO staff at 617-973- undertaking in the coming year that 7100 (voice), 617-973-7089 AACT members may wish to be (TTY), 617-973-8855 (fax), particularly engaged with. or publicinformation@ ctps.org (email). Dr. Scott first addressed the upcoming transit fare increases, which are set to go into effect on July 1. While most MBTA fares will increase by an average of five percent on July 1, the fare for THE RIDE paratransit service will remain $3.00 per trip and $5.00 for premium “non-ADA trips,” which are trips for people eligible for THE RIDE that are at least three-quarters of a From left to right: AACT Executive Board Member, mile outside the ADA-mandated Beverly Ann Rock; AACT Vice President, Rick Morin; service area or trips that are booked MBTA General Manager, Dr. Beverly A. Scott; and the same day as the trip. She then AACT Chairman, James White reported that, this coming year, the MBTA will be addressing the issue of means testing for THE RIDE, and will develop a recommendation to give to the MassDOT Board of Directors. She encouraged AACT members to become involved in that issue.

Dr. Scott also commented on the new vans purchased for THE RIDE service. These vehicles, purchased through a state procurement process, are equipped with lap belts rather than shoulder harnesses. Seating with lap belts offers RIDE customers a better seating choice in vans for customers whose disabilities are aggravated by the use of a shoulder harness. This seatbelts configuration is in full compliance with safety requirements.

Dr. Scott also discussed new bus and rapid transit vehicle procurements; she noted that the MBTA wants to ensure that accessibility features are “baked into” vehicle design rather than added as an afterthought. In May, the MassDOT Board of Directors approved the purchase of 40 new buses, which are expected to go into service by February 2015. The Board also awarded a contract to CAF USA Inc. for 24 new Green Line cars, which will support the Green Line Extension project and help improve service reliability on the Green Line system as a whole. The MBTA is also in the process of accepting proposals for the production of new Orange Line and Red Line subway cars.

The General Manager invited AACT to become involved in the development of the MBTA’s Accessible Transportation Plan, an 18-month systemwide review to determine what it would take to make the MBTA system fully accessible to people with disabilities. Also this year, the MBTA will be working to develop recommendations to its board regarding the elimination of cash fare handling on buses, and the creation of a transit pass for university and college students.

Summer, continued from page 3 runs from Salem, Boston Lynn–Boston ferry service in Lynn to Long Wharf in Harbor Cruises has started a began operating in May and Boston. Parking at the Lynn new weekday ferry service will run through September Blossom Street Extension lot between Lynn and Boston. 12 this year. In 35 minutes, is free. Click here for the you will be transported from schedule and fares. the new Blossom Street Pier Summer, continued on page 6

TRANSREPORT Page 5 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE TRANSREPORT

David J. Mohler, MassDOT Deputy Secretary of Policy and Executive Director of the Office of PUBLISHED BY THE Transportation Planning, was the guest speaker at the June meeting of the Advisory Council. Mr. Mohler discussed MassDOT’s priorities for funding transportation projects, BOSTON REGION which are itemized in MassDOT’s FY 2014–18 Capital Investment Plan (CIP). This CIP has METROPOLITAN an emphasis on funding projects to keep the highway and transit systems operating in a PLANNING state of good repair. One of the major state-of-good repair projects is the replacement of ORGANIZATION Orange Line and Red Line subway cars and related infrastructure improvements Richard A. Davey, Chair to tracks, signals, and operating systems. Clinton Bench, Chair Designee This CIP also includes limited expansion projects, including the reconstruction Marc Draisen, Vice Chair of the interchange of Interstates 93 and 95 in Canton, the Green Line Extension EDITOR project, and improvements required in Maureen Kelly advance of the South Coast Rail project (including improvements to rail ties, signal systems and several bridges in CONTRIBUTORS Mark Abbott the South Coast region). The CIP can be From left to right: Advisory Council members Kim DeLauri viewed by clicking here. Mary Ann Murray, Owen MacDonald, Thomas J. Catherine Dubreck Daley, Schuyler Larrabee, and Steve Olanoff The next CIP, covering FY 2015–19, is David Fargen under development and is expected to be Jane Gillis released for public review in July. The new CIP will assume level funding from the Janie Guion federal government; however, MassDOT is keeping an eye on events unfolding in Sean Pfalzer Washington, DC, that would affect transportation funding. Of immediate concern is the Chen-Yuan Wang fact that the federal Highway Trust Fund is on track to become insolvent in August, which Pam Wolfe could present cash-flow problems for MassDOT projects if federal reimbursements are delayed. In addition, the active federal surface transportation legislation, MAP-21, is due to expire in September. CONTACT THE MPO Mr. Mohler described proposals being advanced by the Obama administration and the Congress to shore up funding for transportation. The administration has proposed the By US Mail: GROW AMERICA Act, a four-year reauthorization bill that would invest $302 billion into the TRANSREPORT Editor nation’s transportation systems and would include a $150 billion increase in funding to Boston Region MPO prevent Highway Trust Fund insolvency for four years. The Highway Trust Fund could also State Transportation Building be bolstered with a transfer from the General Fund. Other options aired by the Congress 10 Park Plaza include a six-year reauthorization of MAP-21 and an extension of MAP-21 through May 2015. Suite 2150 Boston, MA 02116 For states looking for ways to increase their transportation revenues, the GROW AMERICA Act would relax existing restrictions on the tolling of interstate highways. MassDOT By Phone: completed a study in December 2013 that found that tolling interstates and controlled- 617-973-7100 (voice) access state highways could be a significant generator of revenue for the Commonwealth. 617-973-7089 (TTY) Read the report by clicking here. By Email: Summer, continued from page 5 [email protected] Massachusetts Port Green Line station, and Back Bay Logan Express Authority, provides a returns the same way. The direct trip to the airport, Back Bay Logan Express Need to get to Logan Airport via clean-fuel buses. The makes stops at airport to catch a flight? The new shuttle runs to Logan from Terminals A, B, C, and E. The Back Bay Logan Express shut- John B. Hynes Veterans fare is $5.00, but is free with tle service, offered by the Memorial Convention Center, an MBTA pass. Click here for with a stop at the Copley schedules.

TRANSREPORT is published by the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization to disseminate information on current transportation projects and issues in the Boston region. Comments and requests to be added to or removed from the distribution list are welcome and should be sent either to TRANSREPORT Editor, Boston Region MPO Staff, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116, or to [email protected]. TRANSREPORT is free. Its preparation is financed in part by grants from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration.