. Maybe think of it as a step in the right direction?
If these "riders" are getting out of their cars and onto the bus, then I agree that's it's a step forward in preventing the second video continuing to happen. However, five steps back on their bank accounts.
Ride a bike FFS!
Actually, the proposed route from West Newton
Commuter Rail Station to South Station; the commuter rail train connects the same locations and is actually faster. There is also a subway stop about a mile away from the starting station, that also goes very close to South Station. If this bus which holds perhaps eight people replaces a train trip, its probably a net loss for the environment.
As I mentioned before, the Charles River Bike path also goes nearly the same way, gives you a nice scenic, car free ride by the river for most of the trip, and wouldn't even take much longer compared to rush hour traffic, especially considering you can bike directly from your point of origin to your destination. There is even ever improving bicycle infrastructure for a faster, more direct route if you preferred that.
So, this is even more ridiculous than may be obvious. Although I guess if you look at replacing the commuter rail tickets with this, the financial picture look marginally better. A monthly pass is $198.00, or 6.25/ride. Using the subway would cost $75/month or $2/ride.