December 7, 2011
by State House News Service, Boston Herald

A group representing MBTA riders pleaded with state officials to eschew fare increases or service reductions, which they argued would be disproportionately borne by populations that can least afford them.

“We’re not just talking about the issue of a fare increase. We are talking about much more. We are talking about people’s livelihood,” said Gwendolyn Vincent, a member of the T Riders Union, which represents riders of the MBTA’s subway and commuter rail network.

“We’re talking about the elderly can’t afford it. We’re talking about students can’t afford it ... Let’s talk about the real issue here, let’s not play games," Vincent said during a meeting of the MassDOT board.

Board members and MBTA officials did not directly address the riders’ concerns. During his monthly report to the board, MBTA Interim General Manager Jonathan Davis pledged to oversee an “open, transparent and public dialogue on any recommendations for a fare increase or service reductions.”

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