Despite Cancellations, Riders Continue to Fight Against MBTA Fare Hikes, Cutbacks

Thursday, August 27th was set to be the date of the MBTA’s final public hearing on their proposal to raise fares and/or cut service.  On August 11th, however, less than 24 hours after widespread and organized opposition to the proposal overwhelmed the first of 12 MBTA-led meetings, Governor Patrick announced the cancellation of all remaining meetings.  Instead, a so-called “independent review” of the MBTA's finances has been ordered and is due November 1st.

In response to the cancellation of the MBTA-led public meetings, TRU, the PSL and other community organizations are announcing plans to hold a “People's Hearing” to ensure that riders are able to voice their concerns and opinions. The date and location of the “People's Hearing” will be announced shortly.

While recognizing the organizing victory signified by the cancellations, TRU and the PSL are outraged that the cancellation announcement did not in any way rule out fare hikes, service reductions, layoffs or other cutbacks. An open invitation stands for Governor Patrick, members of the State Legislature and all MBTA public officials to attend the “People's Hearing” to hear directly from the ridership.

Taisha O'Bryant, chair of the T Riders Union states, “Our members, the low-income riders who are barely making ends meet, are being scammed out of a chance to share our demands with legislators and public officials by the cancellation of the public workshops and hearings”.  O’Bryant went on to say, “It shouldn’t be the riders responsibility to hold our own hearing, but we will”.

It is important to note that the review of the MBTA's finances is being led by former John Hancock CEO David D'Allessandro, a long-time financial executive and multi-millionaire. “This review needs to take into account the fact that the T is the main means of transportation for many low-income residents of this city,” states Kalila Barnett, Executive Director of ACE. According to a report from the Metropolitan Planning Council, “two-thirds of all bus riders in Boston come from homes earning less than $50,000 a year”.

Over 30% of the MBTA's annual budget goes towards “debt servicing” - a process that is paying out hundreds of millions a year to some of the country's biggest banks.  In 2010, $267 million will be paid out in interest alone – nearly four times the amount which would be brought in through the proposed 19.5% fare increase and nearly five times the estimated savings from the proposed service cuts.  The PSL and TRU are calling on the State Legislature to immediately relieve the MBTA of its debt burden so that it can provide affordable and quality service. 

To sign the petition and for more information about the PSL's “Fight Back!” Campaign, visit:http://www.pslweb.org/mbta or call (857) 334-5084

For more information about the T Riders Union, a program of ACE, visit:
http://www.ace-ej.org/tru or call (617) 442-3343 ext. 233

Chris Gonsalves is volunteer organizer with the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition and its member organization the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL)