Another step forward for the Somerville Green Line: State transportation folks announced this afternoon proposed stops in Somerville and Medford (sort of). The Cambridge Chronicle has the list.

Every time I walk by the AT&T store in Central Square, I notice the snide, laser-printed signs in the window:

"AT&T IS NOT A PLACE TO WAIT FOR THE BUS."

And, technically, it's true. AT&T is, of course, a communications company. "A place to wait for the bus" is less of a "communications company", and more of a "location". Tougher to brand, too, though Wall's done a decent job of it.

Then again, it's wrong, on so many levels:

* The sidewalk is not AT&T property

After yesterday's crash, a Commuter Rail-riding friend (who was not on that train) got this email today from the powers that be:

Subject: Providence/Stoughton Disruption 3.25.2008

TO ALL OUR PROVIDENCE / STOUGHTON LINE CUSTOMERS

Stand up and take a bow, MBTA. The CharlieCard (actually a MiFare Classic) uses simplistic proprietary encryption that has been broken twice. Had the MBTA spent a few extra clams on the version that uses strong encryption, this wouldn't be an issue- and everyone is screwed, because readers installed in thousands of fareboxes aren't compatible with the better cards.

There's no way to summarize Mike Mennonno's post about getting from Somerville to Boston Medical Center by MBTA bus, so just go read it.

The T Riders Union (TRU), a public transit riders advocacy group, is holding a rally in front of the State House tomorrow to protest the T's ballooning debt that keeps shoveling the burden onto riders in the form of 3 fare hikes in 6 years.

Riders calling for the State legislature to pass MBTA debt relief legislation and will be joined by co-sponsors of the bill (Representatives Carl Sciortino, Liz Malia, and Brian Wallace.)

It'll be a fun rally complete with political theatre and a rider being "crushed" by a massive weight with "MBTA debt" written on the sides.

Three men spotted fleeing bus after 3:50 p.m. shooting in Grove Hall.

Update: Victim dies.

Charlie on the MBTA has links on the accident. So does Bad Transit, but with added fuming.

Sick of poor service, uneven automated fare collection machine implementation, and rising fares? Think the new fare increases (from $1.25 to $2.25 cash) are outrageous?

The T Riders Union (TRU) is going to march on the MBTA tomorrow at 12:30pm at MBTA Headquarters (10 Park Plaza, intersection of Park and Charles.) Frustrated riders who are trying to prevent increase of 29-83% to cash and Charlie Ticket fares will march to the monthly MBTA Board meeting, and present over 1,200 signatures opposing the fare increases.

Voice your frustration by joining us tomorrow.