MBTA Launches ‘Don’t Touch The Driver’ Campaign

There have been 28 reported assaults on MBTA employees during the first four months of 2013.

  The MBTA wants the public to know that if they attack a driver who is working, there will be serious consequences. The MBTA’s new “Don’t Touch The Driver” public relations campaign features posters on the ceilings and backs of chairs inside buses depicting hands in handcuffs, and messages warning that an attacker will be sought after, arrested and prosecuted. “Violence toward a bus driver is against the law,” one poster says. “We will prosecute.” The campaign, which includes a new recorded message issued by MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott at T stations, follows the most recent attack, which took place in Dorchester where a group of teenagers flagged down a bus and then proceeded to attack the driver. There have been 28 reported …

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Boston Marathon 2013: Let's See Your Photos

As Boston's Marathoners run through Wellesley, we'd like to see your photos of the runners in town.

Boston Marathon 2013: Let's See Your Photos

As Boston's Marathoners run through Wellesley and Newton, we'd like to see your photos of the runners in town.

  The 117th Boston Marathon will bring thousands of runners from Hopkinton to Boston, via Wellesley on Monday, April 15, 2013. The route will pass through Wellesley from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wellesley College tells us they will do the Scream Tunnel again this year, although runners will be passing through town for much of the day. As the course winds through town, if you are going out to watch, bring your phone or your camera with you. Snap a couple of photos and upload them here.  Check back here after the marathon to see what your neighbors upload.

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Boston Marathoner Profiles: Newton Volunteer Running for Hospice

Meet a Wellesley man running for Newton's Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

  A few weeks ago, Wellesley Patch asked for profiles from folks running the Boston Marathon.  Runner name: Stephen Campbell Age (or age group): 58 yrs old Profession: Investment Advisor Marathon experience: Third Boston Marathon Reason for running: Run for fitness and to raise money for an awesome charity: Hospice of the Good Shepherd! Qualified runner or charity bib?: Charity Bib Bib number: #25124 The 117th Boston Marathon will bring thousands of runners from Hopkinton to Boston, via Wellesley on Monday, April 15, 2013. The route will pass through Wellesley from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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Mapping The 2013 Marathon: Road Closures and Parking Bans

Wellesley is the halfway point of the Boston Marathon.

The Boston Marathon will wind through Wellesley on Monday, April 15. Runners will enter town at the Natick line on Route 135 and continue to Newton on Washington Street, otherwise known as Route 16 heading east. The route bisects the town, and cars will not be permitted to cross the runners’ path beginning at 8:45 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. Wellesley Police have asked that drivers plan their routes accordingly. Per Wellesley Police, there is a parking ban on the following closed streets: The route is identical to last year, as are the road closings. 

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Mass. Tax Plans: Too Much, Too Soon? Or Too Little, Too Slow?

Should the state forge ahead with Gov. Deval Patrick's bold plan to invest now? Or should it follow the Legislature leadership's proposal to address the bottom line before embarking on bigger initiatives?

Massachusetts legislators this week answered Gov. Deval Patrick's ambitious plan to raise $1.9 billion for transportation and education with a $500 million plan of their own, which says the governor is asking for too much, too soon as the Bay State shakes off the effects of the Great Recession. Who's right? Should the state forge ahead in a bold plan to invest now? Or should it cautiously address the bottom line before embarking on bigger initiatives? While Patrick's plan includes funding for both the state transportation system and increased education funding from preschool through college, House and Senate lawmakers eschew new revenue for education, focusing solely on closing the transportation budget gap over the next five years. The …

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MBTA Could Raise Fares, Defer Maintenance

Without additional funding, MBTA officials are forced to make difficult choices.

MBTA riders could see fares go up in the not-so-distant future if legislators don’t accept Gov. Deval Patrick’s ambitious funding plan. T General Manager Beverley Scott said Tuesday the T will likely hold off on spending $45 million for preventative maintenance and hike fairs to close a projected budget gap of $117 million, factoring in increased ridership and advertising this year, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday. Director of Strategic Initiatives for the MBTA Charles Planck said at a March 5 MBTA finance committee meeting that fare increases could go up 33 percent under the proposal, which means subway fares would move up from $2 to $2.60. Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey testified before the…

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UPDATED: MBTA to Have Limited Subway and Bus Service Sunday

The transit shutdown will continue indefinitely.

[Updated Sunday, 10:48 a.m.] Looking to take the Green Line or the commuter rail in Newton? Well, you may want to keep shoveling out that car (or call a cab). As crews continue to dig out from the blizzard, MBTA service in Newton will remain suspended Sunday. Starting at 2 p.m., limited subway and bus service will run on the Red, Orange and Blue lines between Orient Heights and Government Center, and the Green Line between Kenmore and Lechmere, according to MBTA.com/weather. Limited bus service will also operate on the 1, 23, 28, 39, and Silver Line Washington Street only. Customers are encouraged to stay home and "use service sparingly," if possible, the website said. Commuter rail routes will remain suspended through Sunday. The MBTA …

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