12-12-2024 4:06am

MassPort Expands Logan Express Parking and Service for MetroWest

Alan Earls Editor

This week, the
Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) celebrated the groundbreaking
of improvements to the Framingham Logan Express (LEX), which include
adding three levels to the existing garage. These new levels will add
approximately 1,000 new parking spaces, which improves customer
experience for riders in Metro West and beyond. Starting on January
6, passengers will need to use the temporary LEX location at Garage F
of the Natick Mall.

The
optimization project will allow Massport to further grow the service
and to increase service frequencies from every 30 minutes to every 20
minutes in the future. Construction
is expected to begin in January and be completed by the winter of
2025. The Framingham
LEX service carried more than 630,000 riders in 2023, and saw
ridership exceed 2019 numbers. Ridership is expected to set a new
record in 2024 and is continuing to grow, bringing more passengers to
and from Logan Airport than any of the other Logan Express locations.

“The
Logan Express system is more popular than ever, carrying millions of
passengers to and from Logan Airport while reducing traffic
congestion and greenhouse emissions. Massport is committed to
improving the customer experience to attract even more passengers to
Logan Express,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “The Framingham
Logan Express is the second most popular service, and we’re hoping
to move even more passengers once this work is completed.”

Massport
will also add sustainable features to the Framingham LEX site, such
as solar panels and EV charging stations.

“Services
like the Framingham Logan Express are vital across our state,
offering a reliable and convenient HOV option that reduces
congestion, lowers emissions and provides travelers with an efficient
connection to Logan Airport,” said Senate President Karen Spilka.
“The improvements to the Framingham Logan Express site will pave
the way for more frequent service, and enhance convenience and
accessibility for riders in the MetroWest area.”

This
past year, the LEX system carried a record 2.3 million customers,
nearly doubling ridership over the past decade. The LEX network
currently offers service at five locations, including Framingham,
Woburn, Braintree, Danvers and Boston’s Back Bay and picks up and
drops off passengers directly to each terminal.

“The
improvements to the Framingham Logan Express site, including expanded
parking and increased service frequency, will make it even easier for
travelers to access Logan Airport seamlessly,” said Framingham
Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “This investment reflects Massport’s
commitment to enhancing transportation options that save time, reduce
stress, and support sustainable growth for our community.”

So
far this year, approximately one in five Boston Logan passengers
chose HOV modes such as Logan Express, the MBTA’s Silver Line and
Blue line, and private bus service to get to and from the airport.
Massport’s long-term goal is to encourage more passengers to choose
HOV modes. Massport has implemented several initiatives in recent
years to support this;

Passengers
can purchase LEX e-tickets in advance from our website and the
FlyLogan app for a reduced price of $9 each way, and the Back Bay
service fare which is priced at only $3 to the airport and is free
departing from Boston Logan;
The
MBTA Silver Line 1 (SL1) served around 1.5 million Boston Logan
riders in 2023. Last year, Massport purchased 10 new enhanced
electric SL1 buses that operate with zero emissions through the
airport’s terminal areas and will allow increased service;
Both
the Back Bay Logan Express and MBTA Silver Line SL1 services from
Boston Logan to the city are FREE. Massport provided approximately 1
million free rides from Logan Airport in 2023; and
In
2023, over 2.2 million riders boarded the MBTA Blue Line at Airport
Station. Massport added real time shuttle bus tracking for Blue Line
passengers, began a new shuttle route from Airport Station directly
to the terminals, and partnered with the MBTA to improve Airport
Station wayfinding.