COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133
Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 16, 2020
MBTA to Continue Service on Newburyport/Rockport Line
On December 14, 2020, the MBTA Fiscal Management Control Board announced its proposed short-term FY21 service changes. The FMCB approved these changes to respond to decreased ridership since the onset of COVID-19 and had modified them in response to comments received from both the general public and elected officials.
Senator Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich) testified on the proposed changes to the Newburyport/Rockport commuter rail line and the impacts that these changes would have on their constituents.
“I am relieved that the MBTA recognized the importance of continuing weekend commuter rail service on the Newburyport/Rockport line,” said Senator Joan Lovely. “Many North Shore residents rely on public transit to get to their jobs on the weekends, and the T made the right call in preserving this essential service.”
“I am extremely pleased that the MBTA leadership understood the need for weekend service here on the North Shore. I look forward to continuing our dialogue to ensure that our workers can get into Boston and that our tourism industry leaders don’t have to worry about people getting to our area via the commuter train.” said Rep. Brad Hill
With the Joint Committee on Ways & Means holding its consensus revenue hearing on December 15, the Massachusetts Legislature has begun crafting its FY22 budget that will include new spending on transportation. Simultaneously, the U.S. Congress continues to discuss a relief package that could contain significant new funds for transportation systems like the MBTA.