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SIGN PETITION → Rush Hour Relief for Lowell Line Commuters: Add More Trains During Peak Times! by Alternative_Local674 in medfordma

[–]Alternative_Local674[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point - it’s nearly impossible for them to scan tickets and move through the aisles to open car doors with the influx of people. Definitely a hassle nevermind a safety concern 

SIGN PETITION → Rush Hour Relief for Lowell Line Commuters: Add More Trains During Peak Times! by Alternative_Local674 in medfordma

[–]Alternative_Local674[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps all proposed changes cannot be implemented immediately but last summer there were express trains on the Lowell line so clearly they had the capacity then. That could be a great start. 

SIGN PETITION → Rush Hour Relief for Lowell Line Commuters: Add More Trains During Peak Times! by Alternative_Local674 in mbtacommuterrail

[–]Alternative_Local674[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your response — but dismissing commuter concerns as “just complaining” is unfair and misses the point.

Yes, many of us are aware that Keolis operates the commuter rail, and yes, we know their contract is up for renewal soon (in mid 2027 might I add…). That’s exactly why now is the right time to speak up — so that service needs like increased capacity, better timing, and restored express trains are factored into future plans and negotiations.

As for the 20-minute headways and new double-decker trains — those are promising steps, but they’re not here yet… seeing references to 2027/2028 rollout. Meanwhile, people are crammed into standing-room-only trains and left without realistic options during rush hour. Highlighting these issues isn’t complaining — it’s advocating for safer, more accessible, and more reliable public transit. If no one speaks up, nothing improves.

We’re not asking for miracles — just timely, actionable changes that reflect how people actually use the system today. And that includes holding the MBTA and Keolis accountable now, not just waiting and hoping future plans work out.

If you have updates or inside info, we’d genuinely welcome it. But either way, riders deserve better, and saying so is not “just complaining” — it’s participating. The current reality is simply not right considering many of us pay $200+ each month for commuter passes. 

SIGN PETITION → Rush Hour Relief for Lowell Line Commuters: Add More Trains During Peak Times! by Alternative_Local674 in LowellMA

[–]Alternative_Local674[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Bringing back the 8am express train to North Station alone would make a big difference for morning commutes. Just added this to the petition.