MBTA Cuts Target Melrose's Cedar Park Station, 2 Bus Routes

MELROSE, MA — The MBTA on Monday announced plans to shutter the Cedar Park commuter rail station and two bus routes in a move that was swiftly condemned by elected officials who vowed to fight the closures.

The 131 bus, which connects the Highlands to Oak Grove, and the 136 bus, which connects Malden Center to Reading Depot by way of Main Street, would be eliminated. Weekend commuter rail service would end altogether while remaining commuter rail service would end at 9 p.m.

It's all part of widespread service cuts proposed by the beleaguered transit agency, which is looking to trim more than $130 million in costs after the pandemic exacerbated an already shaky financial situation.

The proposed cuts aren't final or definitely permanent, but if instituted would likely remain in effect for at least several years. A December vote will come after public hearings.

Mayor Paul Brodeur said the cuts would be "a tremendous blow" to the commuter-heavy Melrose in a letter to MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.

"The impact on our commuters, our neighborhoods, and our small businesses will be considerable and will slow an economic recovery should a vaccine become available in the next several months," Brodeur said in the letter. "Furthermore, the elimination of two bus lines is going to be devastating to our lower income residents, essential workers, and anyone who depends on bus transportation."

Brodeur was joined by State Sen. Jason Lewis and State Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian in opposing the cuts.

Cedar Park is one of three commuter rail station in the city, and there are no plans to shutter Wyoming Hill or Melrose Highlands. Still, such a cutback in public transportation options would negate some of the gains Melrose has made on the commuter front.

"Cuts to MBTA service, even if temporary, underscore the importance of cost efficient multimodal improvements to Main Street, including safer walking and cycling features as our committee has recommended," Melrose Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee Chair Jonah Chiarenza told Patch.

The MBTA, which faces a $579 million budget shortfall, is not considering fare hikes.

"Using limited resources to operate nearly empty trains, ferries and buses is not a responsible use of the funding provided by riders, communities, and taxpayers, and it does not help support the transportation needs of our region," Poftak wrote in a letter to riders. "Saving resources now will help the MBTA to bring back service when it is needed after the pandemic has faded."