September 18, 2011
by Steve Annear, Boston Metro

If you see hoards of commuters wearing red tomorrow while riding the MBTA, it isn’t a strange coincidence. It’s part of a national statement to save public transportation funding.

Local pro-transit groups will take part in the “Don’t X Out Public Transportation Rally” right here in the Hub holding a public information session at the Park Street T stop.

Combined efforts of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, the T Riders Union, On the Move Coalition and Transportation for America will send a bright-red message to Congress and the state legislature that future funding cuts to Massachusetts transportation “are unacceptable,” according to Transportation for America organizer John Walkey.

“There is still a battle, because there are still chances for funds to get cut,” Walkey said, adding a cut of more than one third in federal funding could slash Massachusetts transit operations by as much as 30 percent when a six-month extension to the current bill expires.

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The MBTA is already facing a $160 million deficit next fiscal year, according to officials.

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