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itsonlyastrongbuzz t1_j6o4ip8 wrote

Reply to comment by Victor_Korchnoi in Wu wants to cut fares at Boston’s commuter rail stations. Is that really a good idea? (NO PAYWALL) by GlobeOpinion

People think of commuter rail riders as being affluent because the commuter rail schedule is built to service white collar working hours.

They’re not designed for the hospitality or service industry, or healthcare workers working 2nd or 3rd shifts.

I sort of don’t get what you’re saying about pricing being a barrier. If $13/round trip is too expensive, what does their commute currently look like?

Are they currently driving and parking downtown for less than that?

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Victor_Korchnoi t1_j6o6x0s wrote

I agree. There are other issues besides just price that make the commuter rail less attractive to lower wage workers. As a white collar worker, I can set my hours around the train schedule—most low wage workers cannot.

Most transit riders in Hyde Park are taking the 32 bus to Forest Hills and transferring to the Orange Line. There are about 10,500 rides on this bus route each weekday. Another 1500 on the 24 bus to Ashmont. Only about 1000 get on or off the commuter rail at Hyde Park

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