The MBTA said that on Marathon Monday, more people used the Green Line stations than on any single day before the pandemic, and they saw this as an important event for the transit agency.
The MBTA has had difficulty getting back to pre-pandemic levels of riders, which has led to a decrease in fare revenue and a significant budget gap for the transit agency. The transit agency is facing a large budget deficit because of the drop in ridership and fare revenue.But on Marathon Monday, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng stated that passengers had confidence in the MBTA to take them to their destinations.
Phillip Eng, the MBTA General Manager, expressed pride and appreciation for the employees and partners who provided reliable and safe public transit service during the 128th Boston Marathon.
On April 15, Green Line stations recorded 77,000 entries, which is a 70% increase compared to the typical Monday crowds and the highest number since before the pandemic.
According to the MBTA, the total ridership on the Green Line, including both gated stations and surface level stops, was around 150,000 boardings. The Red, Orange, and Blue Line stations also saw a 6% increase in ridership, totaling approximately 225,000 entries.
Eng emphasized that this was a significant day for the MBTA, thanking the participants, Marathon spectators, and riders who relied on the MBTA to reach their destinations, including the finish line.
Tens of thousands of people traveled to the Boston area to participate in the 26.2 mile marathon that begins in Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street near Copley Square. Nearly 30,000 individuals from 118 countries and all 50 U.S. states signed up for the race, according to the Boston Athletic Association. According to Keolis Commuter Services, the Worcester Commuter Rail Line also experienced a significant increase in passengers, with about 30,000 riders, more than double the usual rate for a Monday.
Abdellah Chajai, the CEO and General Manager of Keolis, expressed pride in the staff and crews for providing safe and dependable service, particularly along the Worcester Line.
The MBTA reported that more individuals entered a Green Line station through a fare gate on Marathon Monday than on any single day before the pandemic, and labeled the crowded stations as a “milestone” for the transit agency.
