Boston Transit Ridership Grows Steadily

Ridership on the region’s commuter rail reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March.

2 minute read

June 13, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Transit ridership in the Boston area reached 68 percent of pre-pandemic levels in March of this year, the highest rebound since 2020, reports Bruce Mohl in Commonwealth Magazine.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) saw the biggest bounceback on commuter rail, which reached 80 percent of pre-pandemic ridership. “Even though ridership is ticking upward, fare revenue hasn’t budged much, remaining fairly stable since October 2022. For the first nine months of the current fiscal year, fare revenue was $276.3 million, down $75.3 million, or 21 percent, from what was forecasted.”

Mohl points to slow subway service as one reason why only 59 percent of riders have returned to that mode. “A fifth of the system is operating under slow zone rules because of defective track. At a meeting of the MBTA board of directors on Thursday, General Manager Phillip Eng said track work still has a long way to go but is showing signs of some progress, with some slow zones being eliminated and others converted to slightly higher speeds – say, 10 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.” 

Mohl explains, “Addressing the slow zones is contingent on getting repair workers to the track, a process that has been slowed by the T’s failure to develop a safety plan for rail work.” After a first draft was rejected by the Federal Transit Administration  (FTA), the MBTA submitted a revised safety plan last week. 

Thursday, June 8, 2023 in CommonWealth Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

3 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

4 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

5 hours ago - Shelterforce Magazine