LYNN — To allow for work on the MBTA’s signal system improvement project, buses will replace Commuter Rail service between Beverly and North Station from Aug. 4 -5 and 15 -19, as well as every weekend throughout the month.
Affected Commuter Rail stations include Lynn, Swampscott, and Salem. Although there will be no cost to ride the bus shuttle to or from North Station during the Commuter Rail closures, some passengers are still not satisfied with this alternative. Bus shuttles are ADA accessible but, unlike the Commuter Rail, do not allow bikes on board.
“Living with something for so long, you get used to using it,” Commuter Rail passenger Jahzire Mendes said. “Especially for some people who have it as part of their routine for going into work or wherever it is, it’s difficult when suddenly something like that changes. I guess it’s for the better, but it’s still hard.”
Throughout August, the MBTA will replace an outdated signal system that controls the movement of Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains in and out of North Station. Its new, state-of-the-art microprocessor system will require less work to maintain and reduce train delays, according to the MBTA. The project, which has a $45.2 million budget, affects a network that connects the tracks at North Station, five major Commuter Rail lines, and the Boston Engine Terminal, where trains are stored and maintained.
Electrician Daryn Tench relies on the Commuter Rail to get to work in Lynn. He said he plans to take the MBTA’s bus alternatives when necessary. Tench has a car but has preferred to use public transit since the Massachusetts Department of Transportation began weekend closures of the Sumner Tunnel in June. These weekend closures are part of a plan to fix wear and tear in the tunnel and require vehicle diversions through often busy routes.
“My ideal solution would be to drive but you’re going to have to deal with a lot of traffic,” Tench said.
Commuter Rail passenger Brian Wielk said he was surprised at the MBTA’s lack of signage during his trip to the greater Boston area from Washington D.C this weekend.
“We’re a bit spoiled with signage with the public transit system there,” Wielk said. “I worry it’d be hard to figure out the changes, especially if you didn’t speak English.”
Neia Pina lives in downtown Boston and used the Commuter Rail to visit stores in Lynn Friday. She said she will be less likely to visit the North Shore in general if she will need to take a bus.
“A bus is a lot more tight and compact,” Pina said. “You can keep your distance on a train but a bus is very cramped. It will get very hot in there very fast, especially with the weather right now.”
Pina added that she would rather rent a car than take the bus. Miguel Rodriguez of Lynn agreed with Pina’s sentiment but acknowledged that it would not be financially feasible to rent a car or pay for a ride-share every time he usually takes the Commuter Rail.
Rodriguez rides the train nearly every day. On weekdays, he takes the Commuter Rail to Beverly from Lynn for work. On weekends, Rodriguez often uses the Commuter Rail to visit friends and family in downtown Boston. He said while he worries about a possibly longer commute, he also plans to take the MBTA’s bus alternatives throughout the Commuter Rail’s August closures.
“At the end of the day, they bring you to your destination even if you have complications,” Rodriguez said.
Rachel Barber can be reached at [email protected].