The MBTA recently proposed fare and service changes to help close the MBTA’s $161 budget deficit for FY2013. Over the coming weeks, the MBTA will be holding more than 20 public meetings so T riders can make their voices heard about these proposed changes.
The public discussion kicks off next week with the first four public meetings:
Tuesday, January 17, 5:30-7:30 pm, Newton City Hall, War Memorial Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue
Tuesday, January 17, 6:00-8:00 pm, Worcester Public Library, Saxe Room, 3 Salem Square
Wednesday, January 18, 6:00-8:00 pm, Chelsea Public Library Auditorium, 569 Broadway
Thursday, January 19, 6:00-8:00 pm, Roxbury Community College Auditorium, 1234 Columbus Avenue
In the coming weeks, there will be more than 15 additional meetings throughout greater Boston and the MBTA service area. For a full list of meetings and information, please visit MBTA.com/join the discussion.
The purpose of these meetings is to solicit your ideas and suggestions to improve the recommendations. You know your communities best and we are counting on you for smart solutions.
Can’t make one of the meetings? Have your voice heard by sending an email with your questions, comments, and ideas to fareproposal@mbta.com.
The MBTA has proposed two possible scenarios to handle the budget deficit. Scenario 1 includes a larger fare increase but smaller service cut, protecting 98% of bus passengers. Scenario 2 is a smaller increase but a larger service cut, protecting 76% of bus route customers. Under both proposals, the MBTA will continue to have some of the lowest fares in the country.
In recent years, the MBTA has worked to keep the system moving forward despite facing numerous financial challenges. For example, the MBTA released real-time bus, subway, and commuter data that is now available through more than 40 smartphone apps. The T also put into service new Blue Line trains, upgraded stations, and made other improvements.
The MBTA’s public outreach process continues with the acceptance of public comment through March 1, 2012 electronically at mbta.com, by email at fareproposal@mbta.com, via mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at 617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.
A final fare increase and service reduction recommendation will be made to the MBTA’s Board of Directors this spring and changes will be implemented on July 1, 2012.
It's hard to understand why the "level of borrowing is such that we are tapped out" and must, therefore, raise MBTA fares and cut services, when the French can afford to spend $39B to expand the Paris Metro system. Maybe we should rethink our entire policy for the funding of public transit in Massachusetts.
Posted by: Alexander Blumenstiel | January 16, 2012 at 08:33 AM
Shouldn't the goal be to improve the overall experience thereby increasing ridership? If someone asked me why is public transportation important, I would give the following reasons...to get people off the roads... Improve traffic conditions...Reduce carbon emissions... Reduce dependance on oil... Improve the lives of lower income people... probably some more if I had time to think. In any event, by raising fares and/or decreasing service, we are actually moving in the wrong direction. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Howard Heilweil | January 14, 2012 at 09:32 AM
It is appalling that we are expected to pay for mismanagent. Bonuses to a company for being on time with a dismal record? I would love to receive a bonus for coming to work less than 60% of the time! No weekend trains? No more sports events, etc for MANY. DISGUSTING!
Posted by: MARYANNE CHESSEY | January 13, 2012 at 01:02 PM