This month’s MBTA fare hikes came on the heels of two trains derailments. But it’s not only headline-making derailments and delays that are a problem. The T must also improve daily bus service and make progress on long-awaited projects to ensure fair and equitable service to all of its riders.
Jul 3
2019
2019
Jun 28
2019
2019
MBTA Fare Increases Take Effect Monday
“It’s simply insensitive and unfair to ask riders to pay more while the Red Line struggles to get people to and from their jobs,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “The T clearly needs more funding and staffing, and some of those funds should come from predictable fare increases that do not disproportionately impact transit-dependent riders. However, this round of hikes should absolutely have been postponed at least through the summer.”
Mar 15
2019
2019
MBTA Fare Hikes Spare Bus Riders, Seniors, Youth, Students
We asked, and the Fiscal and Management Control Board partially listened. The Control Board approved proposed MBTA fare hikes for the subway and commuter rail, but bus fares as well as senior, youth, and student passes won’t see an increase in price. T Fares Held Steady for Bus Riders, Discount Pass Holders On March 11,…
Mar 6
2019
2019
Greater Boston Chamber, CLF, and MBTA Advisory Board Publish First Annual Accountability Report to Assess the MBTA’s Progress on Strategic Plan
“We must make it as easy as possible for people to get out of their cars and choose public transit, and that starts with a system that works for everyone,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “It’s clear that the MBTA needs to focus on protecting the system from climate change and improving accessibility. These aren’t always the most visible projects, but they’re critical if we’re going to have a transportation system that is prepared for the future and doesn’t leave anyone behind.”
Jan 29
2019
2019
MBTA Proposes Fare Hikes
“Fare increases should be modest, predictable, and necessary,” said Staci Rubin, Senior Attorney at CLF. “Riders deserve a reliable ride to get where they need to go at a reasonable price. Any potential fare increase must be tied to service improvements, like finishing the Green Line Extension and fixing the bus system for riders who depend on it most.”
Feb 21
2018
2018
MBTA Raises the Specter of Fare Hikes (Again)
The MBTA is crying wolf… again, predicting a deficit of $111 million in its next fiscal budget. The potential solution? Raise fares on riders, again. Governor Baker seems to agree, stating on Valentine’s Day that the MBTA should be discussing a fare increase. I’m not sure that was the best way to spread the love, especially to…
Nov 25
2017
2017
Green Line Extension Back on Track
CLF has been steadfast in our push for the Green Line extension (GLX), but making it a reality has been a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that threatened to derail this critical public transportation project before it could get off the ground. However, last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) took a significant…
Nov 5
2017
2017
We’re Not Waiting for Trump’s Promised Infrastructure Investment
If there was one issue where candidate Donald Trump seemed to offer a promise that both sides of the aisle could get behind, it was his vow to spend $1 trillion on public works over the next decade. It would be an investment, he said, in repairing and upgrading the nation’s transportation systems. Unlike the…
Mar 2
2017
2017
#DeleteUber Campaign Could Be Good for the Environment
If you recently deleted your Uber app in response to the consumer boycott over the ride-hailing company’s behavior during the protests against Trump’s travel ban, you may want to think twice before you reinstall it. While Uber has amassed at least three more scandals since then, a new report is also giving us a first…
Feb 10
2017
2017
Latest Report on Massachusetts Transportation Financing Finds Progress, But Much More to Do
The Transportation for Massachusetts coalition – of which CLF is a member – today released the latest in a series of reports evaluating the implementation of the Commonwealth’s landmark Transportation Finance Act of 2013. The Keeping on Track reports are aimed at ensuring the new law’s success at addressing the most pressing needs of the…