The MBTA is asking riders and residents to weigh in on a sweeping long-term investment plan that will guide transit priorities across the state through 2050.<\/span><\/p>\n The plan, dubbed \u201cFocus 2050,\u201d is the lastest update to the agency\u2019s Program for Mass Transportation, a state-required blueprint that outlines capital needs and investment priorities over the next 25 years.<\/span><\/p>\n Officials say the effort is aimed at building a safer, more reliable, and more accessible transit system while preparing for future challenges such as climate change and shifting travel patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe public, our riders, communities and the businesses we serve can help shape decisions and priorities for the T,\u201d MBTA General Manager and interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said in a statement. \u201cFeedback is invaluable on what is most meaningful to improve their quality of life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The plan will help align the MBTA\u2019s long-term strategy with its capital investment program, which is constrained by available funding. Updated every five years, the Program for Mass Transportation is intended to bridge those two efforts while identifying major projects and system upgrades.<\/span><\/p>\n Since releasing its last long-term plan, Focus40<\/a>, MBTA officials say they have completed several major projects, including the Green Line extension<\/a> to Tufts University, new Orange Line cars<\/a>, expanded ferry service<\/a>, and the long-awaited extension of commuter rail service to Fall River and New Bedford<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Early feedback from riders and stakeholders has hit on a range of priorities for the next phase, including track maintenance work to improve reliability, upgrades to increase capacity on the Green Line, modernization of the commuter rail system, and expanded accessibility at older stations, the MBTA said.<\/span><\/p>\n Other concerns riders have include strengthening the system against extreme weather and improving connections across different parts of the transit network, the T said.<\/span><\/p>\n The MBTA plans to host more than 20 pop-up events at stations and in a series of public meetings this spring to gather input. <\/span><\/p>\n Open houses are scheduled in Chelsea on April 15 at La Colaborativa (63 Sixth St.); Boston on May 7 at Action for Boston Community Development (178 Tremont St.); and Lawrence on May 19 at the Community Room at McGovern Transportation (211 Merrimack St.). <\/span><\/p>\n The meetings are scheduled for one hour and begin at 5:30 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n Officials said feedback collected throughout the year will help shape the final plan. Riders can submit comments on the plan at MBTA.com\/Focus2050.<\/span><\/p>\n Nick Stoico can be reached at nick.stoico@globe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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