By CPA in Boston
Governor Baker Proposes Cuts to MBTA Funding and Fare Hikes
For many in our community, we rely on public transit to get
to work, visit family, and see the doctor.
Without it, people without cars would have no other reliable and
affordable way of getting to the places we need. Public transit also plays an important role
in creating jobs and reducing car use and greenhouse gas emissions that cause
global warming.
When the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA),
the state government body that runs the public transportation system for the
Greater Boston region, proposed fare hikes in 2012 that would be more than the
double the costs for some riders, we fought hard against the proposal. We attended and spoke at hearings, signed
petitions, and attended rallies. It
worked! In 2013 Massachusetts passed new
legislation that provided $600 million in funding for public transit over the
next five years. In addition, it capped
fare increases to 5% every two years.
Now Governor Baker wants to go back against the legislation
that was passed. He is planning to cut
$75 million of the funding promised to the MBTA. Instead of fully funding the MBTA, he plans
to cut jobs and service for riders. By
misinterpreting the spirit of the legislation that was passed, he also plans to
raise fares over the 5% cap and hit low-income and no-income riders the
hardest. In the proposals released by
the MBTA, monthly passes for seniors would increase 10%, monthly bus passes
would increase 16-20%, and monthly student passes would increase 23%!
To oppose the cuts in funding to the MBTA and the fare hike
proposal, sign the petition at www.ourmbta.org. You can also have your voice heard on the
issue by attending a hearing about the fare hike proposals. On Tuesday, February 2nd, 5-7PM at
the state transportation building at 10 Park Plaza there will be hearing held
near Chinatown across from the W Hotel.
You can also call the Chinese Progressive Association at 617-357-4499
for more information.
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