Local

Sumner Tunnel disruptions deter taxi, ride share drivers from Logan Airport trips

BOSTON — The first of 36 weekend closures of the Sumner Tunnel proved to be a traffic nightmare, and the impact was felt at Logan Airport.

The frustrating backups lasted for hours, and as people experienced firsthand, there was no way around it.

Some taxi and ride share drivers told Boston 25 News that they avoided the area all together and will be doing the same for weekends to come.

Passengers attempting to leave Logan Airport were asked to share taxis at certain times over the weekend as a result of the taxi shortage.

“We initiate double loading when the demand is much higher than the supply, and we try to match 2 or more customers heading in the same general location,” said a statement from Massport spokesperson Jennifer Mehigan.

Those who drive for a living are worried that the gridlock will get even worse when the Sumner Tunnel closes seven days a week from May through September 2023.

“You make more per mile than per minute so couldn’t pay me to go to the airport!,” said Beth Griffith, Executive Director of the Boston Independent Drivers Guild. “Smart drivers are going to avoid that airport like the plague.”

The planned closures are part of a $160 million dollar project to rehab the 87 year old tunnel.

A group of elected leaders, including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, sent a letter to MassDOT last week asking for further steps to be taken to address the traffic concerns.

Some are calling for the Blue Line to be made free and also asking that the T bring the ferry back to downtown.

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