13 replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

WCVB-TV Boston, MA 7/24/17:
 

MBTA, Keolis aim to improve outdated ticket-checking system

 

 

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Keolis Commuter Services are planning to gather rider feedback on how they can update their outdated ticket-checking systems.

 

Their goal of the focus groups, they said, is to find ways to improve the commuter rail’s ticket-checking system and reduce fare evasion.

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

Boston, MA Globe, 2/26/18:

 

Ticket checks coming soon to Back Bay commuter rail

 

Ticket checks are returning to commuter rail platforms — and expanding to new ones, as well.

 

 

 

Update

[KevinKorell]

WFXT-TV, Channel 25 in Boston, MA, 10/1/18:

 

 

MBTA Commuter Rail delays fare gates until 2021

 

 

The MBTA is delaying its plan to install new fare gates along the Commuter Rail. 

 

 

Update

[KevinKorell]

WFXT-TV, Channel 25 in Boston, MA, 7/31/19:

 

 

 

 NO FARE: On Commuter Rail, some commuters often ride for free 

 

 

It’s the number one complaint on the commuter rail: Passengers riding for free.

 

Commuters told 25 Investigates they see it all the time.

 

Story is here.  It's been one of my pet peeves about the Boston commuter rail system for years -- having been on a few trips where I had honestly purchased a fare only to go home with the ticket still in my possession because it wasn't collected or checked.  Even in the digital age now, one still pays the fare and on some trips it's never acknowledged by the crew through a scan or visual inspection.  While revenue is derived from me at the ticket machine, it's not being recorded as a paid fare on the train.   The travesty lies in fare increases based on the never recorded on-board revenues rather than what they make selling the actual tickets by agents or machines in the stations.