Updated at 1:02 p.m.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker spoke about updates to the MBTA's Blue Line during his daily press briefing Wednesday.
Baker said construction, originally planned to happen over the span of several weekends, has been fast-tracked due to the T's low ridership during the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking from Maverick station, Baker said having an extended worksite for a project has made a big difference.
"If you just look around at all of the gear and raw material that is sitting here and can continue to sit here and has been sitting here since May 18, imaging trying to do this when you literally had to it at night," he said. "You'd bring it in, you'd get a few hours of work done and then you'd have to pack it all up and move it out."
Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack, who also briefed reporters, said the state is expecting changes in how people travel and work.
She said state and private sector employees continuing to work from home can help minimize crowding on the T and on roads. She also said employers will need to work with the state to gradually bring workers back and possibly institute initiatives like staggered start times, so infrastructure can handle growing demand.
When riders return, she added, they should expect changes.
"The new normal for the T will very much be dictated by crowding thresholds and we will continue to monitor this data closely," said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, who also spoke to reporters.
Face coverings are now required while using the MBTA system. And what's now considered a crowded ride has changed as social distancing is factored into how people get around.
"Our old service delivery policy used to consider a bus with 58 people on it to be crowded. We will now consider a bus with 20 people on it to be crowded," Poftak said. "To the extent feasible, we will attempt to provide additional service where we can. We're also working to spread out demand."
