MGNA: Medford Green Line Neighborhood Alliance

The Patrick Administration has announced $1.1 million in federal stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will repower 11 MBTA locomotives’ engines to reduce particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to asthma and other respiratory problems.

A total of $1.73 million in federal stimulus funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) will also support projects that address diesel emissions from trash and recycling trucks and fishing boats, and promote the purchase of cleaner running hybrid trucks.

The grants were announced on Friday, May 15, at the MBTA’s Readville train yard in Hyde Park.

Learn more about Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan investments.
 

The Executive Office of Transportation has posted four documents online showing its initial plan for the relocated Lechmere Station.

The station relocation design was absorbed into the Green Line extension Draft Environmental Impact Report, which is nearing completion, after the North Point development project came to a halt. The former North Point developers had agreed to build the new station in exchange for land at the existing station.

The Lechmere documents can be viewed on the project website.

Also, the Lechmere Station relocation will be the focus of a community meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Kennedy-Longfellow School, 158 Spring Street, Cambridge.

A new survey says Boston commuters save more money by leaving the car at home and using public transportation than commuters in any other major U.S. city. 

The average Boston commuter in 2009 saves $1,053 per month or $12,632 per year by using public transit, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).  Riding public transportation saves an average nationwide of $8,691 per year in the 20 cities surveyed.

APTA’s monthly Transit Savings Report calculates savings based on the cost of gas and parking versus the cost of riding public transportation using a monthly pass.

The Association says public transportation helps commuters “ride out” the recession while reducing carbon emissions and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

To calculate transit savings, visit the APTA website.