Concerned about the proposed MBTA fire hikes and service cuts?
Check out STEP's summary of key information, links, and ways to get involved!
January 26, 2012
Notes from Green Line construction meeting
Yesterday, MassDOT held a public meeting about the Green Line Extension Phase I Early Bridge & Demolition Contract Scope of Work. Read notes from the meeting from our friends at MGNA.
Upcoming meetings include:
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Washington Street and Union Square station
Early March: Gilman and Lowell Street station
March/April: Ball Square and College Avenue station
March/April: Right-of-way, Noise, Vibration, Retaining Walls
April: Community Path (design currently is at 30%)
September: Phase I construction update
Fall: Public meeting with Phase I construction contractor
January 24, 2012
Boston Globe on MBTA protest
"Cuts protested at State House"
"It was easy for [state lawmakers] to drop the Big Dig debt on the backs of the T and its riders, so they really need to consider how important of a service this is for our region and for the state as a whole," Matsueda said before leading the group in a march to the hearing.
January 23, 2012
Run-down of the key facts, links, and events relating to the proposed MBTA fare and service changes
Here's a one-page summary of what's going on and where you can go to learn more or get involved. We'll update the following as events unfold.
January 21, 2012
Cambridge Chronicle on the MBTA proposals
"MBTA general manager: Fare hike plan would see decreased ridership"
The Green Line extension to Tufts University and a South Coast rail line will continue as planned, as both are state obligations as part of the Big Dig, but neither will be paid for by the MBTA, according to acting general manager Jonathan Davis.
January 20, 2012
Local officials push for gas tax instead of T service cuts
Somerville Patch: "Local Leaders React to MBTA's Proposed Cuts, Favor Upping Gas Tax"
"Even the relatively big increases being proposed will not provide more than a one- or two-year fix," Jehlen said in an email to Patch Wednesday. "I, along with some of my colleagues, have been advocating for an increase in the gas tax as a reasonable and sustainable way to ensure financial solvency for the T. It is past time that we seriously address these long term funding issues. I will continue to advocate for an increase in the gas tax and more dedicated revenue to the T."
Somerville Journal: "Sciortino: We can do better than current MBTA proposal"
"Placing the burden entirely on the backs of T customers ignores the reality that our entire transportation system is woefully underfunded, and demands a statewide comprehensive solution that must include new revenues."
January 17, 2012
Occupy the T gains momentum
The potential MBTA service cuts and fare increases would have a profound effect on Somerville, and it's great to see many groups speaking out and taking actions to express concern and outrage. One such group is Occupy the T. Check out their progress in this Boston Occupier article and their Facebook group. Also keep an eye on the Occupy Somerville site.
MBTA officials seem to welcome this movement:
January 15, 2012
Blue Ribbon Summit on transportation financing
With all the coverage of MBTA financing recently, we wanted to point out excellent material that came out of a summit at Northeastern University in 2010. There are some good ideas in here about T financing. For each of the most commonly discussed options, it includes the current Massachusetts policy, how it is used in other states, its advantages and disadvantages, and a financial analysis. The options are:
- Increasing the gasoline tax
- Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax
- Increasing local funding for transit
- Parking fees and taxes
- Cross-subsidies for transit
- Leveraging private investment
- MBTA debt relief
- MBTA operational efficiencies
- Increasing fare revenue
Read more about the effort or download the summary and framework reports.
January 09, 2012
Somerville Patch: Frustration with the MBTA
"Patch Readers Unhappy with MBTA Situation"
"Many readers were frustrated by the prospect of paying more for less service, especially since the long-awaited Green Line extension, which was supposed to open in Somerville by the end of 2014, has been delayed until 2019."
January 06, 2012
CLF editorial on MBTA financing
"The T Needs More Than Fare Increases"
"T4MA objects to the MBTA's proposal because it attempts to solve a much larger problem of insufficient funding for public transportation exclusively on the back of transit riders, who are traveling in ways that reduce traffic and benefit the environment."
Read more updates about the Green Line, Orange Line, or STEP.
Green Line
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR)
- STEP speaking points
Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)
- STEP speaking points
Official Green Line Extension site
City of Somerville: Green Line Extension
Beyond Lechmere Northwest Corridor Study
Orange Line
MBTA's design for Assembly Square T stop
City of Somerville: Assembly Square
Community Path
Health Issues
Presentation on transportation-related pollution
Studies on Somerville pollution near highways
Transportation News
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Regional Transportation Plan (RTP)
History of Transit Policies and Commitments 1989-1992 (PDF)
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