The Slow Train to (and from) Fitchburg

Certainly throughout this fall's state rep election and whatever other political campaigning that goes on, people will talk about using the commuter rail to help revitalize downtown.

For once, this is an issue we're something of an expert on. We take the train from Fitchburg to Boston at least three times a week, sometimes the entire week.

The train is definitely an enhancement for Fitchburg, but there are so many issues that come along with improving service that it is something that can't be written off with a quick, "it has to be faster."

First, we need convincing the train will draw riders. We get to the station at about 6:30 and get back at about 7 at night. There's maybe 50 cars in the garage, and no tangible sign that commuters fill it up in between. It's a big garage, with certainly big plans to be full some day, but it's not happening now. There are plenty of studies that show commuter rail service is a help to outlying communities, but a hard look needs to be taken at the impact it would have on Fitchburg.

The one thing the train has going for it is cost. As "2ndson" noted, it's $6 one-way. That's pretty cheap. What's the limit? Would $8 one-way lose riders? Maybe. $10? Definitely. As the MBTA in general struggles financially, higher fares may be in the offing.

More importantly is the long ride. The "express" takes 1:20. That's a long time on a train, especially when half is pretty crowded. It's marginally cheaper to ride the train depending on your parking situation, and about the same amount of time at rush hour. The car is far more comfortable, however, something the train can never overcome.

The grand goal is to make the train ride from Fitchburg an hour. That would be very, very nice. But how realistic is that? Fitchburg doesn't have the ridership to fill up a train, so other station stops would be necessary. T officials could probably fashion a schedule that maximizes both ridership and time, but for an hour ride? Very, very difficult. Especially with only one track (really, there's only track) around Littleton and Acton.

Most importantly, the T should take a look at its current schedule. The morning "express" leaves Fitchburg at 6:40 and gets to Boston at 8. That means pretty much anyone on that train can be at their desk by 8:30-8:45. That's a well-timed train. The evening "express," however, leaves at 4:40. That's an unrealistic time for a large majority of people. Why not make the "express" at 5:20, which is a very full train. Sure, that time is tough for a lot of people (we leave the desk at 5 on the dot to run to make it), but it's better than 4:40.

Somehow, the T needs to figure out a way to make the train faster and more convenient, while not raising prices too high. That's a tall order. To think the train can be a major catalyst for downtown Fitchburg is also a tall order. Train service is necessary and valuable for Fitchburg and its residents, but to consider it a key part of downtown's future may be a stretch.