MBTA revises plan to eliminate Marblehead bus routes

MARBLEHEAD – State Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, is keeping an eye on the way the MBTA treats Marblehead commuters.
Ehrlich told selectmen Wednesday the MBTA has revised its original plan to cancel certain bus runs on the 441 and 442 routes from Haymarket to Marblehead. The MBTA originally proposed running half the afternoon rush hour buses from Wonderland in Revere to Phillips Beach in Swampscott, and not from Haymarket to Marblehead.
Selectmen opposed that and sought her help.
Ehrlich said instead of the drastic cutback they originally proposed, the MBTA will eliminate two of the 441-442 bus runs, the ones that leave Haymarket at 3:50 p.m. and 6:20 p.m.
However, commuters will still be able to ride buses leaving 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after those times.
The MBTA is still mulling a further change to the 5:05 and 7:30 runs from Haymarket. One of those runs will be eliminated and the other will end in Central Square, requiring Marblehead commuters to transfer to another bus.
?It?s not perfect but it?s much better,” Ehrlich said, pointing out that some changes must be made so the MBTA can cope with a massive budget deficit.
Town Administrator Tony Sasso thanked Ehrlich for following up on the selectmen?s request.
That didn?t stop Selectman William Woodfin from making a motion asking the MBTA to reduce its assessment on the town, in view of the reduction in service. The motion was approved 4-0, with Selectmen Chairman Jackie Belf-Becker abstaining.
Ehrlich said she is also keeping an eye on state plans to increase bridge tolls, which will affect those who commute by car. She stated her support for the gas tax, which she said was “more equitable” and will eliminate the Turnpike Authority.