Here’s a one-page summary of what’s going on and where you can go to learn more or get involved. We’ll update the following as events unfold.
EVENTS
Feb 28
MBTA hearing on fare hikes & service cuts (Somerville High School) – with a 5:30 rally outside the high school before the hearing
Full list of MBTA meetings on fare increases and service cuts
March 14
Rally before MBTA Board’s final pre-decision meeting
April 4
People’s Assembly and Speak-Out at the Massachusetts State House (the date that the Board is supposed to hand down their “final” decision)
SEND COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted through March 1, 2012 by email to fareproposal@mbta.com, via snail mail to MBTA, Ten Park Plaza, Boston, Ma 02116, Attention: Fare Proposal Committee, and by phone at
617-222-3200/ TTY (617) 222-5146.
THE BASICS
The MBTA is in an impossible situation. Saddled with debt and deficits, the T has proposed two scenarios as a short-term fix. One raises fares around 43% and eliminates 60 bus routes. The other raises fares around 35% and eliminates over 200 bus routes. Either option would be devastating to Somerville residents.
- MBTA overview booklet
- Overview presentation from the MassDOT Board Finance Committee
- “Potential MBTA Fare Increase and Service Reductions in 2012: Impact Analysis” – MBTA’s detailed report
- “How T entered a tunnel of debt” (Boston Globe)
- “Provost: MBTA Troubles Just a Symptom of Systemic Crisis” (BostInno)
- “Why the MBTA is Broke” (Boston Magazine)
- “MAXED OUT: Massachusetts Transportation at a Financing Crossroad”
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
The Massachusetts Legislature simply must step in and rethink transportation financing.
- “Local Leaders React to MBTA’s Proposed Cuts, Favor Upping Gas Tax” (Somerville Patch)
- “Sciortino: We can do better than current MBTA proposal” (Somerville Journal)
- Northeastern University Blue Ribbon Summit on transportation financing
ORGANIZATIONS
Check out these groups to get involved