Select Board Notice of Public Hearing
May 11, 2021
6 pm (Select Board Meeting begins at 6. Hearing time is subject to board agenda)
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89093905788
Restoration of MBTA Commuter Rail Weekend Service
The Select Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 6 pm during its scheduled Board meeting via Zoom to gather input from interested parties regarding proposed changes by the MBTA and Keolis weekend Commuter Rail service in Needham.
On April 5, 2021, the MBTA and Keolis launched its Spring Commuter Rail schedule, which provides more trains during the middle of day, offering more consistent service options and increasing service compared to the Winter Schedule that has been in effect since December 2020. Commuter rail service is currently offered Monday through Friday in Needham on a near-hourly basis The MBTA is interested in providing full weekend service across the entire commuter rail system, and is seeking input on two proposed schedules:
Option 1
Commuter train service every two hours from 6 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Inbound trips originate from Needham Heights; Outbound trips from South Station terminate at Needham Heights.
Option 2
Commuter train service every two hours from 6 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Inbound trips originate from Needham Junction; Outbound trips from South Station terminate at Needham Junction. Originating and terminating at Needham Junction would eliminate service on weekends at Needham Center and Needham Heights, and would eliminate the train horn at the five at-grade crossings between Needham Junction and Needham Heights
The Board invites all residents and interested parties to attend and provide input regarding this subject. Written comments may also be submitted to the Select Board, c/o Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 or by email to selectboard@needhamma.gov.