The Fairmount Line runs through some of Greater Boston’s highest density residential neighborhoods and makes it possible for workers to commute to the city on a quicker and more efficient mode of transportation. Now, after nearly two decades of advocating as a part of the Fairmount Indigo Transit Coalition, the Newmarket BID celebrates the Fairmount commuter rail line’s electrification.
The Fairmount Line is uniquely positioned to serve historically underserved communities with a fast, reliable, and now, soon-to-be electric public transit system. In the study, “Increasing Ridership on the Fairmount Line” by The Boston Foundation, it was highlighted that the Fairmount Line, “disproportionately serves residents that are more likely to rely on transit for mobility… [it] also serves a disproportionate percentage of residents of low income households and people with disabilities.” (TBF; Increasing ridership on the Fairmount Line 2017, 38).
The MBTA Board approved the line’s electrification which will remove the diesel-powered trains from the track. Additionally, electrification will help reduce the environmental impact on neighborhoods along the route. The change to electrified train cars will also increase the frequency of the line’s service to approximately 20 minutes between trains to and from South Station.
For Newmarket residents, the commute into South Station will be a mere 8 minutes and allows for much greater access throughout the city. For those who commute to work in the Newmarket area, the station is conveniently located within walking distance of Suffolk construction, 1010 Mass Ave, and a satellite location for BMC staff. For those looking to visit the South Bay Shopping Center, the Newmarket commuter rail station is a short walk down the block from popular stores and eateries.
On Monday, August 13th Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits Nutt, MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosted a press conference to celebrate the history-making development in the electrification of the Fairmount Commuter Rail line.
You can watch the Press Conference here: https://www.youtube.com/live/FtsWOzXcdmU?si=ZTuu5pzbb7pHsyaJ
