by mbrproductions
Would allowing free parking at all Park and Ride MBTA Stations (Subway, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail) result in an increase in ridership? I think it would because people who drive to work likely already have to pay for some kind of parking in or near their workplace, and they may not want to pay twice to use the train, first for parking, and second for the ride itself. If the MBTA were to subsidize free parking at stations like GO Transit does, it could attract a decent amount of park and ride passengers, which already make up a significant amount of MBTA riders. I also believe the mode that would benefit the most from this is the Commuter Rail, due to how it serves low density suburbs that are really only served well by park and ride stations, if the parking were to become free in those stations, along with the new all day schedules, more suburbanites may choose to take the train instead of drive, and a good increase in ridership could be the result. Thoughts?
Photo by Alan Thomas: NYNH&H I-4 Pacific #1372 proudly thunders through Forest Hills as it makes its way to Providence R.I.