Protesters Rally Against MBTA Cuts, Pack Meeting

The  fall disproportionally on the elderly, disabled, student and low income population, many people said at a packed-to-capacity public hearing Monday night. 

Following an Occupy Boston rally at hundreds of people - many of them college students - flowed into the . They filled the 342-seat auditorium and 110-seat overflow room by 6:05 p.m.

"Some people got here at 4:30," a library worker said.

Officials began turning away at least 100 people lined up inside the foyer, and promised to add more public hearings to the already lengthy list.

"If we try to raise the fare the way we are now, there won't be more money," said Back Bay resident Elliot Laffer. "There will be a failed transit system and failed economy."

He was one of more than 70 people who vocalized their opposition to, as woman put it, "two rotten proposals" laid out by the MBTA to solve a $161 million deficit.

Both scenarios include increased fares and service cuts, especially to suburban bus routes, the Commuter Rail, ferries and THE RIDE.

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. 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.

Both scenarios would mean cuts or eliminations to commuter rail services. Those cuts could include elimination of commuter rail services after 10 p.m. during the week and completely on the weekend.

“I’m less concerned with the fare increases,” said Winchester 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.”

Losing crucial transportation

Both proposals would be detrimental to the city, many people said. Eliminated bus routes would prevent people from getting to their jobs.

Low income and disabled residents, many from the deaf and blind community, used translators to speak out against the plans, lamenting cuts to the THE RIDE in particular, and calling it a step backward for people with disabilities, many of whom depend on that service to get to medical appointments.

"As for THE RIDE, I'm really shocked you expect people on fixed incomes to pay what your proposing," one woman said.

Finding more money

Others, including Mayor Thomas M. Menino in his opening speech, called for increased revenue. 

"For too long, they've tried a Band-Aid approach," he said about the MBTA. "You can't do reconstructive surgery with a first-aid kit."

A few people suggested raising the gas tax - which hasn't increased in 21 years - and called on legislators to increase funding and remove existing debt.

"There's $2 billion of debt that comes from the Big Dig, said David, a Jamaica Plain resident. "There's no reason the Big Dig debt should be on the MBTA books at all."

Another man pointed to major, tax-exempt corporations in the city, saying the revenue is there, it's just a matter of where it's coming from.

"You're going after the poor," he said. "They’re already poor. You can't get blood out of a stone."

Candice, a woman from Malden, said the T should cut off all ongoing extension projects to pay off it's debt - the same way someone in the working class would pay off their debts before buying a fancy new car - and added the Mass State Lottery should dedicate a portion of its sales to the MBTA.

"This is a reflection of management," she said. "Something could have been done long ago, but nothing was."

The future

The MBTA is holding many public hearings throughout the Boston region over the next two months. Comments will be considered when deciding the final proposal.

You can also contact the MBTA directly by emailing fareproposal@mbta.com or calling 617-222-5200.

According to Winchester Town Manager Richard Howard, members of town management will attend one of the