As the MBTA announced yesterday that its ridership increased for three consecutive months for the first time since 2008, cramped commuters traveled in temperatures cracking 100 degrees for the first time in eight years.
“Capacity is a big issue,” said Brian Kane of the MBTA Advisory Board, lamenting the MBTA’s plans to expand service to the South Coast, Worcester and possibly New Hampshire. “I look forward to the day they discuss capacity improvements within the city.”
On the Red, Blue, and Orange lines, average weekday ridership rose from 475,600 in May of 2009 to 490,000 this May. Kane said fare revenue was up an additional $400,000.
“The money is definitely needed,” he said, “but it’s not enough for the T to get out of its deep financial hole.”
