Wilmington Looks To Cut Number Of Commuter Rails Stops At Station

WILMINGTON, MA -- Wilmington officials are working with the MBTA on a pilot program that would eliminate five stops at Wilmington Station as the town tries to resolve its standoff the transportation authority. MBTA commuter rail trains are continuing to block Route 62 when they pick up and drop off passengers at the Wilmington station, despite objections from local fire and police officials. The Wilmington Police and Fire Departments say the traffic backups are impacting their ability to respond to emergency calls.

The MBTA's Haverhill line currently makes nine inbound and 14 outbound stops at North Wilmington Station on weekdays. In a conference call with town officials last week, the MBTA said it had identified five inbound trips with flag stops where there is little activity. Those flag stops, where the train does not stop unless a passenger is visible on the platform or a passenger on the train tells the conductor they want to get off at North Wilmington, would be eliminated.

"The expectation is to try to receive some input from the public to see if this proposal should be a go," Town Manager Jeffrey Hull told selectmen when he offered them an update at this week's meeting. MBTA officials are scheduled to meet with selectmen during their April 8 meeting to discuss the proposal.

Correction: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate schedule information.

Previously on Patch: Wilmington Selectmen Frustrated With MBTA Safety Concerns

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).