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Boston's Morning Newsletter
How to avoid the holiday traffic in Boston
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's daily morning newsletter, WBUR Today. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
Happy Hanukkah! We're officially in the thick of the holiday stretch, with Christmas less than a week away. And according to AAA Northeast, the year is ending on "a high note travel-wise."
That means some busy roads.
AAA says about a third of all Americans will travel for the holidays, including over 100 million who will drive to their destinations. Overall, it's expected to be the third-busiest holiday travel season since AAA began tracking the data in 2000. Unlike Thanksgiving, the advice for avoiding traffic around the ever-moving winter holidays isn't as clear cut, especially with Christmas on a Sunday this year. So, we asked the experts for some advice:
Overall, AAA says that the Tuesday after Christmas, Dec. 27, will be the worst day to drive nationwide, particularly in the afternoon. But more specifically in Boston, the agency forecasts that the absolute worst congestion will hit Wednesday, Dec. 28 between 3 and 5 p.m. on the Southeast Expressway. You'll also want to avoid the evening rush hour this Friday, Dec.23, before the holiday weekend.
- Go deeper: You can read AAA's full list of best and worst travel times for each day through the holiday season here. (The TL;DR: avoid the typical afternoon rush hours on non-holiday days; that's when the mix of travelers and commuters will be the worst.)
- The silver lining: AAA spokesman Mark Schieldrop told WBUR's Amy Sokolow that the concentration of holiday traffic is getting a little more spread out due to the rise of remote work. It's similar to what has happened with usual weekday rush hours. "A lot of folks are going to stay a few extra days with family," Schieldrop said. "So, for the return home, you may end up with less travel volumes or traffic."
- If you're taking the train: Due to crowds, Amtrak officials are advising riders to arrive at the station 45-60 minutes before their departure time, especially if their train doesn't have an assigned seat. And remember to check their carry-on bag policy.
Guess what: we published the first local media interview with Gov.-elect Maura Healey since the November election this past Friday. What did we learn from her sit-down with WBUR's Anthony Brooks? Here are some takeaways:
- The new guy: Healey announced another new hire Friday, naming Dr. Patrick Tutwiler as education secretary. Healey said Tutwiler shares her commitment to promoting early college opportunities — noting that, as Lynn superintendent, he spearheaded a program allowing high school students to earn college credits at community colleges, which she said should be a model for the rest of the state.
- Her priority is (still) affordability: When she takes office, Healey said she plans to focus on "tax relief and some tax reform," as well as "strategic investments" in "education, transportation and infrastructure." With the new so-called millionaire's tax about to take effect, she'll have a few extra dollars to spend on those things, too.
- TBD: There are a lot of things Healey said she can't answer until after she takes office. When should we expect MBTA service to improve? Should the Green Line Extension go farther to Route 16 in Medford? Is there a "big idea" that will define her administration? Healey says we'll have to wait and see.
Regulators at Massachusetts Gaming Commission are aiming to clear out its backlog of sports betting licenses today and tomorrow before heading out for the holidays. They've already awarded one license to Encore Boston Harbor ahead of the planned launch of in-person sports betting next month. However, WBUR's Rob Lane reports that concerns have held up the licenses for the state's other two casinos.
- The commission plans to return to MGM Springfield's bid at today's meeting, after the company repeatedly made missteps during its application process. And tomorrow, they plan to take a hard look at Plainridge Park Casino's application, after regulators voiced concerns about its owner's ties to (and promotion of) controversial Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
- The regulators may also get to Caesars' sportsbook bid for a mobile license tethered to Encore. But according to Lane, commissioners worry that Caesars has a track record of marketing to underage people.
P.S.— 'Tis the season... for Mayor Michelle Wu's monthly appearance on Radio Boston. Tune in at 11 a.m. to hear the mayor live on air, and send in your questions at @RadioBoston or through our text club by texting BOSTON to 617-766-0382.
