MBTA Cuts: Two Weston Commuter Rail Stations On Chopping Block

WESTON, MA — Two Weston commuter rail stations are among the six that MBTA officials proposed cutting on Monday.

The Silver Hill Station and the Hastings Station are among the proposed cuts the MBTA announced, but riders will have a chance on Tuesday to voice their opinions.

On Monday, the MBTA revealed the extent of the cuts, which are being proposed amid a major drop in ridership because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ridership is at about 26 percent of what it was before the pandemic — 330,000 daily riders in October compared to 1.26 million per day in 2019.

"I want to reassure our riders that these service changes are not permanent, do not include any fare changes, and will not take effect immediately," MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in a statement Monday. "We are carrying out a comprehensive outreach process and encourage all members of the public to provide comments and feedback, as we want to hear from riders to help us identify and protect the services that support transit-critical populations and communities."

For commuter rail service, the MBTA is proposing to stop service at 9 p.m., stop weekend service beginning in January, and reduce the number of peak and midday service trips from 5:05 to 4:30 p.m. The MBTA may also close some commuter rail stations due to low ridership, including the two Weston stations on the Fitchburg line.

There will be a virtual public meeting for riders in Weston at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Registration is available online.