Winchester Selectmen Opposed to MBTA Service Cuts

Earlier this month, the MBTA announced that while cutting services for buses and commuter rail.

According to the state's transportation website, those cuts could include elimination of commuter rail services after 10 p.m. during the week and completely on the weekend.

The Winchester Board of Selectmen did not agree with the proposed changes.

“I hate to see the prices increase,” said Selectman Doug Marmon. “But I’m much more concerned about the cuts. I really want to stop that.”

Under the proposal, there are two scenarios – the first would include a fare increase of 43 percent, and the second a spike of 35 percent. Both would mean cuts or eliminations to commuter rail services.

For example, Winchester riders who pay $4.25 for a single ride could pay $6.50 per trip under the first proposal and $6 under the second.

“I’m less concerned with the fare increases,” said Selectman Roger Berman. “I’m more concerned in the cuts in rail service. We’re looking at redeveloping the downtown, changing the employee parking situation and have them use public transportation. These cuts in services are contrary to what we’re looking at, and it goes against our attempts of trying to be more green.”

According to Town Engineer Beth Rudolph, these two scenarios are only intended to close the gap for Fiscal Year 2013. The MBTA structural deficit will continue to grow through 2016.

"While the MBTA continues to identify and adopt strict measures to close the budget gap, less costly ways of doing business and additional revenue-generating measures are necessary," said MassDOT.

Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey said, "I am confident with the public’s involvement in this process we can review the study, propose recommendations, and together generate new revenue to continue the progress the MBTA has made in serving its customers.”

The MBTA last increased fares in 2007. Fare increases were proposed in 2009, but were terminated after the MBTA received $160 million in state funds, according to Rudolph.

The MBTA is accepting public comment on the proposed rate and service changes through March 1. There are also a series of public meetings over the next two months.

A final recommendation will be made in March to the MBTA Board of Directors, who will vote on the proposal in April. The new plan will take effect on July 1, 2012.

“My personal focus is to mitigate the service cuts,” Berman said. “It would be great not to have to pay more, but if I have a choice I’m going to focus on service cuts.”