The MBTA is set to start fining drivers who are caught on camera blocking bus lanes and bus stops in the Boston area.

The T said Thursday that its new “Automated Camera Enforcement Program” will start on Oct. 1. Written notices will be issued to cars parked at bus stops or blocking bus lanes at first, and the fines will start on Jan. 1, 2027. 

“Violations will be automatically captured by cameras installed on MBTA buses, and a team of human evidence reviewers will review all incidents to confirm if a violation has occurred,” the T said in a statement.

While surveillance cameras have come under scrutiny in Massachusetts recently, with many towns canceling their Flock contracts, the T says the cameras on their buses will not be used to track vehicles, and the data collected by the system cannot be used for any purpose other than enforcing bus lane and bus stop violations.

Fines for blocking MBTA bus stops and lanes

Drivers will get a warning the first time they block a bus lane. After that, it’s a $25 fine that can increase to as much as $125 for four or more violations within 180 days.

Parking in a bus stop will result in a $100 fine every time. 

“Drivers who violate bus stop laws will automatically receive tickets, not a warning, due to safety and accessibility concerns,” the T explains.

The fines will be mailed to the address where the car is registered. Drivers can submit an appeal within 60 days of the alleged violation.

“Keeping buses moving”

Massachusetts enacted a law last year that allows the MBTA to use cameras to ticket drivers who get in the way of buses. 

MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said the new program “is about keeping buses moving, but also about keeping people safe and giving everyone valuable time back in their day.”

“When bus stops are blocked, people with disabilities, people with strollers, and anyone who has mobility challenges loses the option for level boarding,” Eng said in a statement. “When bus lanes and stops are blocked, thousands of riders are impacted and lose time out of their schedules every day.”  

The T said some exceptions will be made for violations if a driver is turning in a bus lane, preparing to park in a spot next to a bus lane, or stopping at a bus stop or lane to make way for an emergency vehicle. 

Mother Nature may be the toughest opponent this weekend.

High school football programs around Massachusetts may be dealing with a nor’easter. Several games have moved to Thursday night in anticipation of the major storm. Others remain as scheduled, with teams bracing to clash in the elements.

For most, Week 3 is a crucial period. It often marks the close of nonleague schedules, and provides programs one final tuneup before entering conference play. Now, it’s time to predict some of the top-billed games. Whether they will remain at their originally scheduled times remains to be seen.

Springfield Central vs. Xaverian

These state heavyweights share many similarities and traits. Both had their struggles in Week 1, only to return with vengeance last Friday night. Fueled by a breakout game (three touchdowns) by sophomore quarterback Jahir Charles, the Golden Eagles (1-1) were able to bounce back with a convincing 34-14 drubbing of a very strong North Attleboro group. Meanwhile, following a scare in their season opener, the Hawks (2-0) cruised to a 53-6 drubbing of Everett days later behind Penn State commit Will Wood (five touchdown passes). This is arguably the game of the week. Experience could play a key factor.

Connelly’s pick: Xaverian

Murray’s pick: Xaverian

Catholic Memorial vs. Viera (Fla.)

Thanks to a heroic performance from Christian Simmons (187 yards rushing, 66 yards receiving, three touchdowns), the Knights (2-0) earned a wild 50-48 victory over Christian Brothers Academy (New York). John DiBiaso’s group will have another battle with an interstate foe, this one in the form of Viera (Fla). Viers has jumped out to a 3-1 start and has improved with each game. It will be interesting to see how things pan out.

Connelly’s pick: Catholic Memorial

Murray’s pick: Catholic Memorial

Marshfield vs. Bridgewater-Raynham

A great litmus test for programs looking to prove that they belong in a conversation with the Bay State’s elite teams. After Nate Rollinson fired five touchdown passes to lead the Rams (1-1) to an eye-opening 42-25 romp of Milton in Week 1, he and his teammates suffered a setback in a 24-8 loss to Mansfield. The Trojans started off with a tough 19-0 defeat at the hands of Mansfield, before rallying with an impressive 27-0 blanking over Plymouth South. Junior quarterback Logan Bovill finished 8-for-12 passing with 206 yards and a touchdown in the performance.

Connelly’s pick: Marshfield

Murray’s pick: Bridgewater-Raynham

Duxbury vs. Barnstable

Is this the same Duxbury program we have seen reach the Div. 4 Super Bowl final five consecutive times? It’s difficult to say at this stage. The Dragons (1-1) have taken their lumps early in the season, but appeared to find a rhythm last week during an important 24-14 victory over Hanover. Meanwhile, Barnstable (2-0) has started off strongly, in spite of losing key pieces like Kyle Coffin and Jayson Dyer to graduation. The Red Hawks relied on rising stars such as Felipe Pinheiro (105 total yards) during a 26-0 shutout of Minnechaug in Week 2. To say this matchup is important to both programs is an understatement.

Connelly’s pick: Barnstable

Murray’s pick: Barnstable

Dartmouth vs. Old Rochester

A classic case of the old guard clashing with a team on the rise. For years, Dartmouth was considered the team to beat on the South Coast. In recent years, Old Rochester has taken on that role. Just last week, the Bulldogs (2-0) ran roughshod during a 42-14 victory over Plymouth North, with Benjamin Baptiste (four rushing touchdowns) serving as the catalyst. The Indians (1-1) have struggled offensively, averaging 13.5 points per game. In their latest matchup, they fell to Middleboro in a 14-13 heartbreaker. However, the defense has been stout, surrendering just 10.5 points per game.

Connelly’s pick: Old Rochester

Murray’s pick: Dartmouth

Scituate vs. Marblehead

If anyone thought the Sailors were set to fade away following last year’s dramatic run to a Div. 4 Super Bowl crown, think again. Led by a masterful game from senior running back Grayson Foley (175 yards rushing, four total touchdowns) in Week 2, they cruised during a statement victory (35-14) over a Norwell team many considered to be one of the state’s best. Now, the school prepares to take on a perennial power from the North Shore. With the highlight play coming from Vidal Clark (a 70-yard touchdown scamper), the Magicians (1-1) dispatched Medway during a convincing 26-0 shutout win.

Connelly’s pick: Scituate

Murray’s pick: Scituate

Bishop Feehan vs. Shawsheen

Is this the week we see the state’s longest winning streak come to a halt? It might be the toughest challenge that Shawsheen (2-0) has faced in a long time, as the Rams look to make it 30 straight victories. Through two games, Gavin Lane has been a driving force offensively while the school’s strong defensive front has rendered opponents virtually rudderless. The opposing Shamrocks (1-1) may have lost some key pieces from the roster that reached the Div. 2 Super Bowl last fall. However, Bishop Feehan is a tested opponent, and brings star power with standouts like Ty Cinelli and Dexter Izzo pacing the charge. This one is very difficult to predict.

Connelly’s pick: Shawsheen

Murray’s pick: Bishop Feehan

Milton Academy vs. St. Sebastian’s

Some wrote off Milton Academy when star quarterback Qur’an McNeill departed this past offseason to begin his collegiate career. Then, Hudson Garrity sent shockwaves throughout the NEPSAC when he announced he was transferring from nearby Archbishop Williams. Now it appears as though the Mustangs (1-0) are poised for extended success following a 21-13 victory over Worcester Academy. However, a true test awaits, as they prepare to take on an experienced St. Sebastian’s (1-0) group, helmed by Duke Ciongoli under center. The Arrows will look to prove they are still in a class of their own in the prep ranks.

Connelly’s pick: St. Sebastian’s

Murray’s pick: Milton Academy

Season record

Connelly: 10-6

Murray: 10-6

BOSTON (WHDH) – People in Boston on Saturday made a difference, step by step, raising money for research on polycystic kidney disease.

More than 200 people walked along the Charles River to raise awareness for the genetic disorder in which cysts grow on the kidneys.

Race organizer Beth Leven shares a personal connection with the cause.

She has PKD, along with her father, uncle, sister, and several other family members.

Leven said seeing the community come together to make a difference means the world to her.

“It really means a lot to see all these people come together and work to find a cure for this disease,” she said. “We have come a long way but there’s still a long long way to come. Everyone’s story is different. Some people have a long family history, some people are the first ones in their family to have a gene mutated to get the disease, and it’s just really special to me.”

The walk raised more than $100,000.

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