Reminder: MassDOT Alerts Customers of EZDriveMA Scam 

Do not open links in text messages which request payment

EZDriveMA and MassDOT will never request payment by text

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is once again reminding customers to be mindful of text message-based scams, also known as smishing. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.  

MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances. Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances. MassDOT strongly encourages customers not to click the link contained in those messages.

MassDOT is underscoring that:   

• EZDriveMA will never request payment by text. 
• All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com  

The EZDrive “smishing” scam is part of a series of smishing scams which the FBI is aware of. Smishing is when unscrupulous actors send deceptive text messages to get someone to reveal confidential or financial information. 

The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:  

1. File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov and be sure to include:  

1. a) the phone number from where the text originated.  
2. b) the website listed within the text.  

1. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.  
2. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number at (877) 627-7745.  
3. Delete any smishing texts received.  
4. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.  

MassDOT encourages all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact EZDriveMA at www.EZDriveMA.com with any questions about notifications.  

The first phase of Bus Network Redesign service changes will begin on December 15, 2024 with six routes in Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. 

Here’s what to expect:

• Service changes to six bus routes: Routes 86, 104, 109, 110, 116 and 117.
• Routes 104, 109, 110, and 116 will become Frequent Bus Routes, increasing service to every 15 minutes or better during service hours every day.
• New connections to the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines and Logan Airport.

Please refer to the website: https://www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign/phase-1-service-changes#104

Please contact me if you have any other questions or concerns.

On behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is pleased to make available over $712,000 though the SFY25 Commonwealth Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) competitive grant opportunity. Eligible applicants are local municipal law enforcement departments that employ emergency service providers who are currently certified by the Massachusetts Peer Support Network or International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. and provide crisis intervention services to emergency service providers.

Listed and detailed below is the appropriate deadlines and links for more information.

1. SFY2025 Commonwealth Critical Incident Stress Management Program
   1. Supported Grant Activities and Services: 
      1. Contracting Therapists/Clinicians: costs associated with hiring qualified therapists/clinicians to train emergency service providers in techniques to cope with crisis and/or to provide emergency response to critical incidents.
      2. Bridge Care: costs associated with emergency responses to critical incidents and “bridge care” services prior to having a treatment plan in place.
      3. Advertising: costs associated with promoting services to law enforcement personnel.
      4. Services/Activities: Team webpage/Team app development, integration of comfort dog program into CISM and/or peer support responses
      5. Operational Costs: costs associated with CISM programmatic expenses, i.e., membership fees, etc. See listing of allowable costs below.

1. 1. AGF Posted: December 4^th, 2024
   2. Applications Due: Monday, December 18^th, 2024
   3. Anticipated Award Announcements: January 2025
   4. Anticipated Grant Period: February 2025 – June 30^th, 2025
   5. More information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/commonwealth-critical-incident-stress-management-cism-program

The MBTA today announced service changes in December on the Green, Fitchburg, Franklin, and Lowell lines. The MBTA will continue working to maintain its infrastructure and improve reliability across the system.

Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/alerts. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alertsor to follow the MBTA on X @MBTA, @MBTA_CR, and @MBTA_CR_Alerts for up-to-date service information. 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) released its new, official mobile app, MBTA Go, a first of its kind for the organization. This initial release makes an early version available to riders with Apple iPhones. The MBTA plans to release a companion version for Android users in February 2025. This app, which was developed in-house and provides real-time information for all fixed-route services, will improve communications between the MBTA and riders. It will also allow the T to share information in a more accessible way. 

The app will assist riders as they navigate their commutes. Features of the application include: 

• Real time rider updates such estimated arrival times and train/bus tracking as they approach stops 
• A user-friendly system map that allows riders to click and see what service and transfers are available at each stop and station 
• Accessibility in six languages on day one: Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese 
• Viewable estimated arrival times for a rider's destination stop 

More than 4,000 MBTA riders have piloted MBTA Go since July 2024. User feedback and human-centered design are directly influencing the development team’s work as they continue to improve the tool. 

The app serves as the most authoritative source for MBTA information and the Technology Innovation Department is expecting to share updates approximately every four to six weeks. App updates that riders can look forward to include but are not limited to details about approaching vehicles, like live crowding information and a trip planner that provides route recommendations. 

MBTA Go became available in the App Store November 20, 2024, and will eventually be released for Androids in February 2025. 

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding residents that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal facilities will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport.

We want to remind you that significant updates to the MBTA bus network will take effect on December 15, 2024, as part of Phase 1 of the Bus Network Redesign.

These improvements aim to enhance service reliability, increase frequency on major routes and extend service hours, benefiting thousands of commuters.

Again, MBTA goal is to improve connectivity and access throughout Greater Boston, with changes tailored to meet current and future rider needs.

For additional details on specific route changes and to learn more about upcoming community information sessions, please visit the MBTA Phase 1 service changes page

With colder weather on the horizon, National Grid is encouraging customers to be proactive in their fall preparations by taking advantage of energy efficiency programs, rebates, tips, and a range of other services and solutions. The Company will host a series of local Customer Assistance Events to provide on-site help accessing a variety of programs.

National Grid is hosting a series of Customer Assistance Events to provide customers with options to manage their energy bills and ways to save money. Attendees can meet with assistance program experts and learn about available resources, all under one roof:

Upcoming Customer Savings Event on Thursday, November 21th

At the Connolly Center, 90 Chelsea Street, Everett.

Customers who cannot attend a local event can also visit ngrid.com/hereforyou to learn more.

For immediate release:
November 13, 2024

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Now Offering Commercial Learner’s Permit

Exams in Spanish and Portuguese

New language options to help boost job opportunities, support
business community

Mass DOT:

Massachusetts’ Disabled Veterans
Benefitting from HERO Act

Eligible disabled veterans exempt from automobile excise tax,
receiving fee waivers for vehicle registration, driver’s licenses
and license renewals due to legislation signed in August 2024