We& #39;re live with @jarjoh and @tracyacorley talking about @TransitMatters regional rail campaign and how advocates are building momentum for more frequent, affordable rail service that works for rider with lower incomes.
> @Jarjoh: U.S.-style "commuter rail" service is like climbing onto a train from the 1950s.

The rest of the world has adopted regional rail service practices, where you can show up any time of day and know you won& #39;t have to wait more than 15 min for next train.
MBTA has already had to adapt commuter rail schedules to the COVID-19 context. Healthcare workers do not have 9-5 shifts. Agency had to add early morning service to respond to medical workers& #39; needs.
@Jarjoh: COVID-19 has also highlighted inequities in rail access. The commuter rail services whiz by communities of color in cities, and neighborhoods with predominantly low-income residents. Those residents have to rely on slower but less expensive bus services.
@Jarjoh: The same issues we had before COVID-19 are not only present, but exacerbated now. Race- and income-based disparities in job access, housing access have to be addressed, and affordable, all-day regional rail service remains a need that has to be prioritized.
@Jarjoh and @tracyacorley point out that critical to making regional rail more accessible is good land use and housing policy. Walkable, affordable, mixed-income housing close to stations have to complement the service reforms.
@Jarjoh: To make service affordable, fare validation and train staffing have to change. "When you have a system that does not rely on someone coming in to punch tickets, you can reallocate those folks to help drive trains."
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