Category Archives: Awareness

MBTA New Year’s Eve Free Service

The MBTA announced its service schedule for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The MBTA is providing extra transit services throughout the First Night Festivities and will offer FREE service after 8:00 p.m.

Friday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve

  • Blue, Orange, Green and Red Line trains will operate on a weekday schedule.  Additional trains will operate and provide rush – hour levels of service throughout the evening.  Service will be extended until approximately 2:00 a.m.
  • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a weekday schedule.
  • Commuter Rail Service On New Year’s Eve will operate on a weekday schedule with additional train service provided to accommodate customers participating in Boston’s First Night Celebration.

OUTBOUND FROM NORTH STATION 

Fitchburg Line: 12:10 AM departure to Fitchburg will terminate at South Acton
1:00 AM & 2:00 AM Departure to Fitchburg
Haverhill Line: 12:10 AM departure to Haverhill will terminate at Reading
1:00 AM & 2:00 AM Departure to Haverhill
Lowell Line: 12:10 AM, 1:00 AM, & 2:00 AM Departure to Lowell
Rockport Line: 12:10 AM departure to Rockport will terminate at Beverly
1:00 AM departure to Rockport
Newburyport: 12:45 AM departure to Newburyport
Newburyport/Rockport: 2:00 AM departure
Newburyport bound customers must change at Beverly for a connecting train to Newburyport.

OUTBOUND FROM SOUTH STATION 

Providence Line: Train #829 that normally departs at 11:59 P.M. will depart 46 minutes later at 12:45 A.M.
1:45 AM Departure to Providence
Franklin Line: Train #731 that normally departs at 11:50 P.M. will depart 55 minutes later at 12:45 A.M.
1:45 AM Departure to Forge Park
Greenbush Line: 1:05 AM Departure to Greenbush
Middleboro/Lakeville Line: 1:10 AM Departure to Middleboro
Needham Line: 1:00 AM Departure to Needham
Kingston Line: 1:00 AM Departure to Kingston
Worcester/Framingham Line: Train #P539 that normally departs at 11:25 PM. will depart 1 hour and 35 minutes later at 1:00 AM to Worcester

Commuter Boat and Ferry

  • Inner Harbor Ferry will operate a normal weekday schedule.
  • Rowes Wharf/ Hingham Shipyard
    Additional service will depart at 12:20 PM and 2:30 PM from Rowes Wharf to Hingham.
    Additional service will depart Hingham at 1:15 PM and 3:15 PM.

    • The last departure from Rowes Wharf will be at 7 PM.
      • The 7:30 PM and 8:30PM departures from Rowes Wharf will be cancelled
    • The last departure from Hingham will be at 6:10 PM.
      • The 6:40 PM and 7:40 PM departures from Hingham will be cancelled.
  • Quincy Fore River Shipyard to Long Wharf and Logan Airport (Hull)

From Long Wharf

1:25 PM will stop at Hull
2:15 PM will stop at Hull

Additional service at 3:00 PM stops at Hull and Quincy Fore River Shipyard.

The 5:30 PM departure from Long Wharf to Hull and Quincy Fore River Shipyard will be cancelled.

The last departure from Quincy Fore River Shipyard will be at 6:55 PM.
The last departure from Long Wharf will be at 7:30 PM.

THE RIDE will operate extended hours until 2:30 a.m.

Saturday, January 1st– New Year’s Day

  • Blue, Orange, Green and Red Line trains will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Buses, Silver Line, and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Please Note: Fairmount Line, Needham Line and Stoughton Line will not operate.
  • Inner Harbor Ferry and Commuter Boat services will not operate.
  • THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Visit MBTA on the web for more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules and fares, or call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200, (TTY) 617-222-5146.

Have A Fun And SAFE New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a night to have fun and celebrate the coming year. However, safety is a must when participating in the festivities. Whether you’re staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or you’re traveling to a party or city bash, following a few safety tips will ensure that you’re safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the New Year!

Designate a Driver:
If you are going to be driving New Year’s Eve, don’t drink and drive. If you have a friend who does not prefer to drink, make sure they take the wheel. You might even be on the water this New Year’s Eve. The person in charge of navigating the boat needs to be cautious, and this still applies to them. It is important to be safe on the water as well, so drink sensibly.

Be Alert:
Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting. Stay away from those who are out of control and might cause harm. Taking preventive measures is key. If someone is really intoxicated, prevent them from trying to drive or leaving with someone they do not know. It’s important to keep an eye out for each other.

Don’t Drive:
If you don’t have to go behind the wheel, avoid it. More people will be driving under the influence on this particular night, so avoid a potentially dangerous accident by staying off the road. Otherwise, be alert and drive defensively. Most importantly, wear your seat belt. Also, using public transportation is a wise option. If taking a cab is too expensive, crashing at a friend’s place nearby is a convenient solution.

Stick Together:
This way we can look out for our friends and family. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night; so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment is imperative.

Monitor your Alcohol:
A majority of people will be drinking on New Year’s Eve, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to pay attention to how much you and others are consuming. Drinking too much alcohol can have lethal affects. Also, be wary of who you except drinks from (especially if they are open) and if you put your drink down think twice before drinking from it again. Be responsible.

Don’t forget about your pets:
They are just as much a part of the family as everyone else. If you are using fireworks, anything with loud noises, or fire, be sure that pets are kept at a distance as well as children. None of these are a good mix.

Be careful with open flames:
If you’re burning candles, incense or oil burners, remember to extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room they are burning in. Pay extra attention to pets and children around open flames.

Be extra careful with Fireworks:
If you are letting off fireworks in a residential area, be sure to practice proper safety precautions when using them. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of sight. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit. Also, be sure pets and children are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited. Finally, always have an adult present when using any type of firework.

Everyone wants to have an unforgettable night — in a good way. By simply using some common sense, we can keep it that way. Ring in the New Year safely.

New England Wheelchair Van Collision Repair

Wheelchair Van Collision Repair at VMi New England Mobility Center, Bridgewater, MA

We can and will repair, service, preform preventative maintenance and help you with collision damage even if you bought your van elsewhere.

  • No Hassle Insurance Claim Handling
  • Direct Repair For Major Insurance Companies
  • State of the Art Collision Repair Facility
  • Baked on Finish
  • Expert Color Matching
  • Unibody & Frame Straightening
  • Vehicle Detailing
  • Car Rental Available
  • Licensed Vehicle Estimator

Wheelchair Van Auto Body Repairs in MA, RI, CT, VT, NH and ME

For more than 30 years, the crew at VMi New England Mobility Collision Center has been offering auto body repairs that has developed strong relationships with our clients. As a locally owned facility, we provide you with affordable options. We also believe in fast, punctual service, so we don’t leave you waiting forever when you need to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

We’re quick to respond to your inquiries, and we can often offer same-day service from certified expert technicians. We handle foreign and domestic wheelchair van repair, and some of our services include:

  • Auto glass replacement
  • Auto body and dent repair
  • Towing service

When it’s in New England and mobility van auto body repairs that you need, The Mobility Center in Bridgewater, MA is one of the top shops to call. We’re here Monday – Friday and we’ll work by appointment on the weekends. Contact us today to request your sound estimate 508-697-6006.

How to Afford a Used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle New England

Among people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, one of the most talked about subjects is the price of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. A shiny new van can be out of range for many consumers on fixed incomes. But a used wheelchair van could be a possibility.

Let’s take a look at some concerns people may have:

Used vehicles have too much mileage on them.

Many used vehicles don’t have much mileage and the mobility equipment may be hardly used.

How much does a used accessible van with a ramp or lift cost?

A wheelchair accessible van less than 3 years old could start at $30,000—or thousands more. A gently used, older wheelchair van can be converted to save even more.

An older vehicle won’t last much longer.

A vehicle properly taken care of can last for decades. For added peace of mind, contact a mobility dealer who sells used wheelchair accessible vehicles and has decades of experience.

A used vehicle probably won’t have the equipment I want.

You want an in-floor ramp but you can only find fold-outs. If the price is right, you may be able to have the desired equipment installed after the sale. Do your research up front.

How can I qualify for a vehicle loan?

  • Talk to your VMi New England mobility dealer—they know the organizations, non-profits, state and federal agencies and charities that will help in financing in your area.
  • If you are a Veteran, you may be eligible for a credit towards a wheelchair accessible vehicle. For more information go to VMi New England
  • Start saving! If you get an income tax refund, put it in a special savings account.
  • Ask your family and friends to forgo gifts and donate towards your vehicle fund.

Above all, contact a mobility expert like the ones at VMi New England. They will work hand-in-hand with you on areas like what is right for you, financing options, rates, terms, manufacturer offers, incentives and benefits.

VMi New England is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or van, please consider one of our adapted wheelchair vans.

Don’t Let Your Vehicle Get Rusty! Schedule An Appointment Today!

Vehicles today are subject to rust and corrosion due to moisture, humidity, tons of road salt and other airborne pollutants that can cause rapid deterioration of your wheelchair van. If neglected, the damages can make your mobility investment of little value.  The thousands of yearly miles, environments and exposure to the elements of larger vehicles means they are a lot more likely to suffer from the effects of corrosion. Correct rust proofing on a regular basis can ensure that your vehicle does not suffer from corrosion related vehicle downtime and keep your van from falling apart.

The best time to prevent rust damage to your vehicle is in Autumn: before the first snowflake falls and Spring: after thae first heavy rain fall; a little vehicle maintenance will help keep the rust away.

Prevent
Prevention is better than a cure. There are a number of products that can offer prevention against rust. Products are available either as oils, waxes, fluids and coatings. The range is vast, but our rust prevention processes, product, plan and application has been found to be most effective. Our rust proofing is ever evolving and has been for over the past 26 years.

  • Our rust proofing formula does more than just cover the metal required, we apply it as a high-pressured spray, ensuring protection to your handicap accessible vehicle’s most critical areas by penetrating, displacing existing moisture and protecting the many vulnerable crevices of your automobile.