One system, with one price: Group looking to combine T, Commuter Rail

BOSTON — One price, one train system, all electric. That's the vision for the MBTA and Commuter Rail from a key transportation group, and their report released Tuesday.

Transit Matters wants to combine the T and the Commuter Rail into an all-electric regional rail. One system, with one price.

"Every 30 minutes in the suburbs and every 15 minutes or less in the inner core," said Marc Ebuna, co-founder, President Transit Matters.

Ebuna tells Boston 25 News the regional rail would relieve bottlenecks, reducing stress on the entire system as a whole, and reduce delays like we saw last week after a Red Line train derailed.

"What we're talking about is syncing that up and making that more fair and equitable for everybody. Not just in the city," said Ebuna.

PREVIOUS: Boston city councilor: Public transportation should be affordable, reliable

Currently, a ride to Quincy Center would cost you $6.25 on the Commuter Rail and $2.25 on the Red Line. With Regional Rail, it would be one lower cost of $2.25 and transfers between lines would be free.

"That first link between my house and Forest Hills Station is the hardest part," said Michelle Wu, At-Large Boston City Councilor.

Wu is a daily T rider with her two boys. For years, she's been working on improving fair access to transportation in the city. She's excited about the part of the plan that improved accessibility, raising platforms to meet train donors.

"As I've been tweeting about my experiences when we've been stuck, other people have written back saying they can't even ride the train... it's embarrassing," said Wu.

"What's really important for us is adding seats, making that service more frequent, making that service more reliable, and making that service more accessible for people," said Ebuna.

Transit matters says the next step is to get the state on board with the plan. They're hoping lawmakers to act on their report.

WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS

Cox Media Group