Friday, June 30, 2006

Commuter Rail Bike Coach = Trail + Rail Solution in Massachusetts


According to a June 23rd Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
(MBTA) news release, "MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas today
announced the first ever commuter rail coach equipped with 40
stationary bike racks. Renovated to accommodate the many bike
enthusiasts who travel on the Gloucester commuter rail line throughout
the summer, the new coach will debut July 2nd during the 'Ride To The
Races' 47th Annual Fitchburg Longsjo Classic. MBTA General Manager
Grabauskas directed his staff to schedule an extra passenger train
after organizers of the Longsjo Classic approached the MBTA.

"The passenger train includes a new renovated bike coach that
accommodates 42 customers and 40 bicycles. 'The timing is perfect. With
the bike car ready to roll, it only makes sense to debut it for a
cycling event,' said MBTA General Manager Grabauskas. 'By giving people
yet another reason to choose public transportation, we continue our
efforts to attract more customers by making the system easier to use
and a lot more convenient. This is what quality customer service is all
about.'..."

Source: CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking

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