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Boston's Morning Newsletter
Much of the Green Line will be closed (again) for most of January. Here's what to know
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.
It’s a new year! While we get to work on the resolutions you all suggested for Boston in 2024 (mine is fewer rainy weekends), here’s a look at what’s ahead during this first week of the year:
The MBTA is resolving to get rid of slow zones in 2024 — and that effort begins with another big Green Line closure covering over two-thirds of January. Starting tomorrow, the T shuts down trolley service between North Station and Kenmore, as well as the entire southern leg of E branch and part of the B branch (out to Babcock Street). The closure runs through Jan. 12, and will be followed shortly after by another identical 13-day diversion from Jan. 16 to 28. In other words, it’s basically one long closure running almost all of January, with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend break in the middle. (Just keep repeating the mantra: “short-term pain for long-term wins.”)
- How to get around it: The two shutdowns are mostly the same as the Green Line shutdown that happened just over a month ago, with one small difference: Shuttle buses will drop off riders directly at Back Bay station (rather than Copley) so they can take the Orange Line if they’re going downtown. Otherwise, you can still refer to our guide to the previous Green Line diversion for a branch-by-branch breakdown of your transportation options. (The commuter rail will again be free between South Station and Lansdowne, as will the 39 and 57 buses.)
- What else: The T also scheduled more Green Line Extension shutdowns so contractors can finish fixing the defective tracks. The plan includes two weekend shutdowns this month (Jan. 6-7 and Jan. 20-21) and nighttime closures starting at 8:45 p.m. on most weekdays — though those don’t start until next week.
- Click here for the T’s full guide to all the Green Line and Green Line Extension disruptions and detours this month.
The Boston City Council officially has a new leader: Ruthzee Louijeune was elected by her colleagues yesterday to be the chamber’s new president. The at-large councilor and Hyde Park native — who was the top vote-getter in November’s election — is the first Haitian-American and third Black woman to serve as Council president.
- Why it matters: The Council president has the power to give fellow councilors (or strip them of) committee leadership positions, as well as lead meetings. The council president also steps in as acting mayor if the mayor goes out of town or leaves office.
- Zoom out: After two divisive and messy years, the Council swore in four new members yesterday, and Louijeune tried to ring in 2024 on a unifying note. WBUR’s Arielle Gray has more here.
The minimum wage went up yesterday in four New England states — though not Massachusetts. For the first time since 2018, the Bay State will see no bump in its minimum wage. In fact, Connecticut is taking the lead in New England’s minimum wage race, after tying its rate to inflation. While the minimum wage will remain at $15-an-hour here, Connecticut’s will go up to $15.69.
- What’s next: WBUR’s Zeninjor Enwemeka reports some labor advocates are expected to ramp up their push for a $20-an-hour minimum wage in Massachusetts this year. After forgoing a 2024 ballot campaign, supporters are focusing their advocacy on the State House. (That said, there is a potential 2024 ballot question that would raise Massachusetts’ tipped minimum wage.)
Ballot battles: President Joe Biden’s two long-shot Democratic primary challengers will be on the ballot in Massachusetts after all. Secretary of State Bill Galvin announced yesterday that Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson are both nationally recognizable candidates and will be on the March 5 primary ballot — even after the state Democratic party only submitted Biden’s name.
- Next steps: Galvin will hold the random drawing for the order of names on the state’s presidential primary ballots today at 11 a.m.
Buses in the New Bedford and Fall River area are free for the next six months. Thanks to a state grant, the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority is eliminating its $1.50-per-ride fare for all of its routes through June. Check out the schedules here.
P.S.— CitySpace is kicking off the New Year with a Tiziana Dearing-led discussion this Thursday about the industrial wellness complex and principles for genuine self-care. Check out the full 2024 winter lineup to see all the events coming up this season and snag your tickets early!
