Latest news with #PhillipEng


Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Boston Globe
Next stop, Houghton's Pond. MBTA to expand Saturday bus service this summer to Blue Hills Reservation
Houghton's Pond features an accessible beach for swimming and fishing. The area also has hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Recreation facilities include ball fields, a concession stand, a playground, picnic areas, restrooms, and a visitors' center. Advertisement 'We encourage everyone from near and far to grab your beach towels, leave your cars at home, and hop on the 716 to Houghton's Pond this summer,' said the MBTA's general manager, Phillip Eng. No other changes to the route are expected this summer. During the pilot program, the MBTA will gather feedback from riders and data to make future improvements. Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MBTA, Keolis pilot new renewable diesel fuel for commuter rails
Keolis Commuter Services, partner of the MBTA Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot that utilizes renewable diesel for some of its locomotives. Renewable diesel aims to cut emissions and to lower the carbon footprint of the MBTA, which will help the Commonwealth reach its emission reduction goals. 'We're pleased to partner with Keolis on this renewable diesel pilot as we continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint,' said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. 'Testing alternative fuel sources for our Commuter Rail fleet joins other efforts at the T to lower our carbon emissions, and we look forward to evaluating the results of the pilot as we continue to increase resiliency across the system.' The fuel pilot consists of all locomotives that lay over at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility, which Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are now fueling. HVO is made from a mixture of vegetable oil and animal fats, which produce fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels. As of now, Keolis has already seen steady locomotive performance while using HVO. 'Getting people out of their cars and onto the train is a great first step, and we need to do more if we are going to reach the Commonwealth's emissions goals,' said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis. 'This pilot program is a great opportunity to utilize an innovative new approach and can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70% for these locomotives compared to fossil diesel. We're pleased to partner with the MBTA to make this pilot project a success.' By the end of the program, MBTA and Keolis will reevaluate the performance of the renewable fuel and see if it is fit to be expanded to other locations across the MBTA. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
MBTA gearing up for Boston's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
St. Patrick's Day is less than two weeks away and the MBTA is gearing up for Boston's annual parade. Nearly 1 million people are expected to attend the South Boston parade, which will take place on Sunday, March 16th. 'The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority,' said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. 'We encourage everyone to celebrate the holiday responsibly and remain vigilant—if you see something, say something. We want everyone to enjoy the Saint Patrick's Day festivities while being mindful of fellow travelers and lending a helping hand to those needing directions or assistance,' she added. The MBTA is implementing several measures to accommodate the increased ridership. 'The MBTA takes great pride as we continue to improve daily service and increase service options every year so everyone can enjoy St. Patrick's Day and all the festivities,' said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. 'Public transit services are essential, allowing everyone alternative ways to safely travel and celebrate. I thank our dedicated employees who ensure that our riders get to their destinations every day. Leave the driving to us and use caution when traversing the system as we all celebrate St. Patrick's Day together.' The MBTA is making changes including: Shuttle Bus: The MBTA will provide free shuttle bus service from South Station to South Boston between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the parade. Red Line: The Red Line will operate rush hour service from 10 AM to 6 PM. Trains may bypass Broadway during certain times due to heavy crowds. Bus Detours: Routes 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 47 will be detoured around the parade area. Buses will not stop at Broadway beginning at 9:45 AM or Andrew beginning at 10:15 AM. Commuter Rail: Commuter Rail trains will run with additional cars to accommodate parade attendees. Additional customer service and management staff will be available at South Station to answer any questions and assist customers. $10 Weekend Passes are valid for unlimited travel on all Commuter Rail lines in all zones on Saturday and Sunday. Riders are encouraged to buy them in advance with the mTicket app. The MBTA Transit Police Department will also significantly increase uniformed officer presence throughout the system to deter crime and to respond swiftly to any incidents. The MBTA urges riders to celebrate responsibly, leave their vehicles at home, take public transportation to festivities, and follow these safety tips: Alcohol consumption and/or unruly behavior will not be tolerated on the MBTA. Secure personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. If wearing a backpack, remove it and hold it at your side or set it between your feet. Leave large items like coolers at home. Let riders off the trains before you board. Travel on the T without bikes. Bikes (including folding bikes) are not allowed on the MBTA at any time, the day of the parade. Report any suspicious activity or individuals in distress to the nearest police officer, call the Transit Police at 617-222-1212, or dial 911. Download the MBTA See Say App to quickly and discreetly report suspicious activity to Transit Police. Using this app, riders can send Transit Police pictures, text messages, and locations of suspicious activity. Follow the instructions of MBTA Transit Police officers and staff who are there to ensure everyone's safety. Take care of yourself and others. Seek medical attention when necessary. For more information and a full guide to the MBTA on parade day, visit the link here. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW