Greetings!
Welcome to the North Shore TMA's new online newsletter! We realize that our member employees are extremely pressed for time these days. We've instituted this new format to provide you with quick tidbits of info about happenings within the TMA service area, TMA programs and services, and with transportation infrastructure that will impact your commute. We hope you enjoy the new format and as always, please don't hesitate to contact TMA staff with any questions, comments, or concerns related to your commute. We're here to help.
Cheers! Andrea Leary, Executive Director North Shore TMA |
Balancing the MBTA Budget:
North Shore Bus Routes/Weekend Commuter Rail Saved!
Your voice was heard! The North Shore TMA waged a successful advocacy campaign against fare increases of up to 43%, astronomical increases in rates for the elderly and disabled, and extreme cuts in North Shore bus and commuter rail service initially proposed by the MBTA. More than 200 letters were transmitted to MBTA officials and the North Shore legislative delegation through the North Shore TMA website portal. North Shore TMA Executive Director Andrea Leary delivered testimony about the economic impact the proposed cuts to North Shore businesses, institutions, employees, and residents, while proposing more modest fare increases and suggesting strategic cuts in service frequency on routes at non-peak service times. The North Shore legislative delegation let us know they received each and every one of your letters and they shared your concerns!
The final proposal scenario adopted by the MBTA Advisory Board was a new plan created based on feedback from MBTA constituents. This scenario calls for an average fare increase of 23% but saves most North Shore bus routes. Read more
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2012 Green Salem Business Challenge:
It's Good to be Green!
On April 1st the Green Salem Business Challenge committee launched a month-long campaign to recruit Salem businesses to "be the greenest they can be". The GSBC has been re-designed this year so that businesses are now competing against themselves rather than each other. To enhance the spirit of camaraderie and sharing within the program and its participants, the GSBC committee developed a Shades of Green Palette so that businesses can identify where they currently stand on a continuum. The team also developed a robust website with resources to help businesses implement strategies to increase their level of "greenness". More than 30 Salem business owners, institutions, developers, and organizations took the GSBC Survey to see where they landed on the Shades of Green Palette.
All participants will be recognized for their efforts by Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and State Representative John Keenan at a special event during the Living Green Fair, 12:00 Noon on May 19th at Salem Old Town Hall.
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TMA Members Honored by MassDOT Secretary Davey
On March 29th, four North Shore TMA members were presented with the Excellence in Commuter Options (ECO) Awards. Keynote speaker for the event was Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Richard Davey. Your TMA membership makes a difference!
Thanks to their partnership with the North Shore TMA, the following TMA members earned recognition at the "Leader" level: Axcelis, City of Salem, and MiddleOak, while TMA member Cummings Center - Beverly earned recognition at the highest level - Pinnacle! Congratulations to each of our members for their accomplishment!
Check out the full set of event pictures on our Facebook page.
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2012 North Shore TMA Bike to Work/
MassCommute Bicycle Challenge:
May 14th-20th
Time to 'Gear Up'!
Did we miss winter this year or did spring just come early? Either way, the time has come to gear up for the 2012 North Shore TMA Bike to Work/MassCommute Bicycle Challenge! Registration for this annual event - taking place during Bay State Bike Week (May 14th - May 20th), and the many awards that follow began with a kick-off event at North Shore TMA member Axcelis on April 4th. Registration officially closed on May 4th, but late registrations will be accepted through bike week.
Employees are encouraged to support their company in this friendly challenge against other businesses in our area and throughout the state to help their company post the most employee miles biked during Bay State Bike Week!
Make sure to check the TMA website - we have lots of resources for bikers (especially those who are new to biking) - including a new Bike Buddy program that will pair experienced cyclists with novice cyclist - or cyclists who just want to ride with others, from several communities to the event locations on different days during bike week. As always, we'll be setting up camp at different member locations throughout the week where we'll welcome all bike commuters in the morning with a light breakfast. We'll wrap things up with everyone's favorite after work Bike Bash on May 23rd at Flat Top Johnny's in Cambridge.
Register today and view a complete schedule of events including specific check-in locations during Bay State Bike Week 2012.
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NuRide is a state-of-the-art, on-line ride matching and alternative commute tracking system, it is the nation's largest rewards program for commuters who rideshare, track alternative commutes, while earning NuRide points to redeem for great prizes.Sign-up for NuRide and get 1,000 NuRide points. Record your trips and redeem your points for rewards!
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