MBTA’s efforts to stay on track

Not historically its strong suit, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has taken steps to stay relevant in a changing transportation landscape.

The MBTA, in an attempt to adjust its operation to ridership shaped by the coronavirus pandemic, plans to overhaul its commuter rail schedule this spring away from traditionally peak times to more spaced-out intervals throughout the day.

The MBTA’s 12 rail lines will now see more rider-friendly timetables that reflect the change — and drop — in train usage over the last year.

The plan that takes effect April 5 deploys fewer trains during former rush hours and adds frequency at other times, a step toward a “regional rail” model that many riders and advocates have sought.

Most lines will run a train inbound or outbound roughly once per hour over the course of the day under the new system.

MBTA officials believe moving from a peak-heavy approach to one with more even amounts of service will both cut costs — as much as $30 million per year — and better fit rider demand.

And for those still upset about the elimination of weekend train service, at least the T changed course on plans to end commuter-rail service earlier on weeknights.

Most lines will run a final train departing Boston around 11 p.m. instead of ending by 9 p.m., partly thanks to federal stimulus funding that helped close the agency’s massive budget gap.

That’s welcome news for those employed in low-paying jobs that might have no other way to reach their workplace.

And these changes could maintain traction, even after this pandemic has run its course, depending on how many employees continue working from home.