July 2, 2009

Boston, MA – T Riders and advocates rallied before the MBTA Board Meeting today, asking the legislature to fully invest in a sustainable public transportation system. Despite approximately $160 million of new revenue through a sales tax increase, the MBTA is planning another round of fare increases and service cuts, the fourth since 2000.

“The MBTA's budget is like a leaking ship. The transportation reorganization bill and sales tax increase will fill some gaps, but if we don't plug all the holes, the T will still sink,” said T Riders Union (TRU) member Taisha O’Bryant.

March 9, 2009

Transit Advocates Look To Prevent Looming Fare Hikes and Service Cuts

Boston—With massive MBTA fare hikes and service cuts proposed for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), public transit advocates rallied in front of the State House to highlight the need for increased investments in public transportation.

Staging a "Bake Sale for the T," activists with the T Riders Union, MASSPIRG, the On The Move coalition, and other organizations hope to draw attention to the MBTA’s $8 billion debt and estimated $165 million budget deficit by selling cookies, brownies, muffins and other baked goods.

"We’re clearly not going to sell $165 million dollars worth of cookies," said Lee Matsueda of the T Riders Union. "But we hope to engage the public and lawmakers in why we need to address the T’s unsustainable finances."

May 22, 2008

BOSTON—While public transportation use has surged since the beginning of the year, largely due to rising gas prices, transit advocates worry that budget deficits at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will force higher fares or diminished service which will negate these positive trends. Growing debt costs and higher energy bills have created a $74 million deficit in the MBTA’s upcoming fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1st.

May 3, 2008

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS –The “Unity for the Community: A Youth Violence Forum” is a way for students and the Boston Police Department to fight youth violence in the community. The event will take place on May 9th at the Tobin Community Center from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. During the forum, students from New Mission High School and officers from the Boston Police Department will discuss issues that deal with trust, respect, and ways to fight youth violence.

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