Newton Mayor Setti Warren teamed up with Boston City Council President Michelle Wu take a proposal to raise MBTA fares and Gov. Charlie Baker to task in a Boston Globe oped.
Raising fares — certainly by the amounts on the table for a vote by the MBTA Board — amounts to a message from the governor that people are just numbers on a spreadsheet, that all we need is better management, and that it is acceptable to hike fares even at the expense of ridership, of public trust, of the economy, health and the climate.
What we really need to turn the T around is not just management, but leadership, built on an inspiring vision of what transportation means to our future.
I was thrilled to see our Mayor once again taking a stand an important regional transportation issue! Well done! Newton’s transportation issues go far beyond our borders and we need to continue to advocate and work with neighboring cities, particularly when it comes to public transit.
I was thrilled to see our Mayor once again taking a stand an important regional transportation issue! Well done! Newton’s transportation issues go far beyond our borders and we need to continue to advocate and work with neighboring cities, particularly when it comes to public transit.
Where do Counselor Wu and Mayor Warren propose the T get more money from? What’s their vision for raising money to pay for maintenance and improvements?
Where do Counselor Wu and Mayor Warren propose the T get more money from? What’s their vision for raising money to pay for maintenance and improvements?
When the roads need fixing and capacity improvements, the state finds a way.
And it’s not the most effective way, but there’s always the gas tax: https://t.co/JNEvxPGBx5
When the roads need fixing and capacity improvements, the state finds a way.
And it’s not the most effective way, but there’s always the gas tax: https://t.co/JNEvxPGBx5
This is political. Where was the good mayor when the T need new membership under Governor Patrick’s administration. This is a cheap shot and probably the beginning of his run for Governor, in case Hillary doesn’t pan out. This was politically motivated. Where was he when Governor Patrick was in charge, we could have used his all of a sudden telling truth to power….give me a break.
Well, of course, it’s political. Everything is political when you’re a politician. To paraphrase those Geico commercials, it’s what you do.
The more important question is: Is it the correct position to take?
My own view is, I wish Setti Warren would speak up more often, not less.
Also, yes MBTA rates increased under Deval Patrick and, yes, we’ve learned a lot about really bad management at the T under Patrick. But Patrick also pushed hard to raise money for the MBTA, through a gas tax and, if I’m not mistaken a candy/soda tax. So it’s not exactly the same situation.
This is political. Where was the good mayor when the T need new membership under Governor Patrick’s administration. This is a cheap shot and probably the beginning of his run for Governor, in case Hillary doesn’t pan out. This was politically motivated. Where was he when Governor Patrick was in charge, we could have used his all of a sudden telling truth to power….give me a break.
Well, of course, it’s political. Everything is political when you’re a politician. To paraphrase those Geico commercials, it’s what you do.
The more important question is: Is it the correct position to take?
My own view is, I wish Setti Warren would speak up more often, not less.
Also, yes MBTA rates increased under Deval Patrick and, yes, we’ve learned a lot about really bad management at the T under Patrick. But Patrick also pushed hard to raise money for the MBTA, through a gas tax and, if I’m not mistaken a candy/soda tax. So it’s not exactly the same situation.
thats leadership, not membrship
thats leadership, not membrship
Tom, I was about to write the same thing. Setti was absolutely silent when the T raised fares under his good friend Deval Patrick. But since a Republican is in the Governor’s office he can take a “cheap shot”. I got news for the good Mayor his chances of defeating Charlie Baker are null.
Tom, I was about to write the same thing. Setti was absolutely silent when the T raised fares under his good friend Deval Patrick. But since a Republican is in the Governor’s office he can take a “cheap shot”. I got news for the good Mayor his chances of defeating Charlie Baker are null.
Considering the amount of money needed to get the T in good repair, I think the MBTA should look at all options, including raising fares. I believe the T has among the lowest fares in the nation. Also, hopefully the gas tax won’t raise much much longer as people move to more fuel efficient cars.
Considering the amount of money needed to get the T in good repair, I think the MBTA should look at all options, including raising fares. I believe the T has among the lowest fares in the nation. Also, hopefully the gas tax won’t raise much much longer as people move to more fuel efficient cars.
Also, for T riders, especially those without other options (like a private car) reliability is as important as cost (if not more so)
Also, for T riders, especially those without other options (like a private car) reliability is as important as cost (if not more so)
MBTA Votes to End Late-Night Service
The move follows the MBTA’s announcement that it will significantly reduce its operating budget.
From the Patch
This will continue until they start raising revenue somehow.
(zero base the department, I am sure there’s plenty of waste in the department). But everything needs to be open on the table
MBTA Votes to End Late-Night Service
The move follows the MBTA’s announcement that it will significantly reduce its operating budget.
From the Patch
This will continue until they start raising revenue somehow.
(zero base the department, I am sure there’s plenty of waste in the department). But everything needs to be open on the table
I was happy to see the Mayor speaking up for public transit. I agree with his vision of a much less car dependent transportation future. It is absolutely true that to build our economy,to significantly reduce carbon emissions and to attract a younger, more transit-oriented workforce we must get serious with how we are going to fund the MBTA. It will not be cheap. The Mayor did not offer any recommendations for funding, but with gas relatively cheap right now, it would make sense to raise it a few pennies to fund specific MBTA improvements.
Even when done right mass transit is not a money maker. So while it is true that Massachusetts taxpayers – many of whom don’t even use the system – currently fund it at twice the amount of those who pay fares, we all benefit from public transit; it’s critical to a healthy economy, reducing greenhouse gases, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution and helping to make our neighborhoods more walkable.
But any increase in fares should be linked to demonstrable service improvements. I don’t think the MBTA can ask riders to pay significantly more unless it offers better, more reliable service in return.
I am unhappy with the proposed price increases on public school students. Under the two proposed scenarios, five and seven-day student passes would rise by over 23 percent, from $26 to $32. This large of an increase for public school students is unfair and burdensome.
With the threat of climate change, and our obligations to the Global warming solutions Act, which includes the goal of tripling transit ridership we should be very wary of the implications of any fare increase.
A fare increase should be kept to 5%.
I was happy to see the Mayor speaking up for public transit. I agree with his vision of a much less car dependent transportation future. It is absolutely true that to build our economy,to significantly reduce carbon emissions and to attract a younger, more transit-oriented workforce we must get serious with how we are going to fund the MBTA. It will not be cheap. The Mayor did not offer any recommendations for funding, but with gas relatively cheap right now, it would make sense to raise it a few pennies to fund specific MBTA improvements.
Even when done right mass transit is not a money maker. So while it is true that Massachusetts taxpayers – many of whom don’t even use the system – currently fund it at twice the amount of those who pay fares, we all benefit from public transit; it’s critical to a healthy economy, reducing greenhouse gases, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution and helping to make our neighborhoods more walkable.
But any increase in fares should be linked to demonstrable service improvements. I don’t think the MBTA can ask riders to pay significantly more unless it offers better, more reliable service in return.
I am unhappy with the proposed price increases on public school students. Under the two proposed scenarios, five and seven-day student passes would rise by over 23 percent, from $26 to $32. This large of an increase for public school students is unfair and burdensome.
With the threat of climate change, and our obligations to the Global warming solutions Act, which includes the goal of tripling transit ridership we should be very wary of the implications of any fare increase.
A fare increase should be kept to 5%.
weren’t we facing the same challenges as 5-6 years ago. We’ve had 1 year of Baker and 8 years of Patrick, whom by the way I like, the Mayor was still Mayor and he never spoke up. Things haven’t changed. HMMM what did change? So, in order for Dems to speak out, they need a republican in office so they have the courage to speak out? WOW.
weren’t we facing the same challenges as 5-6 years ago. We’ve had 1 year of Baker and 8 years of Patrick, whom by the way I like, the Mayor was still Mayor and he never spoke up. Things haven’t changed. HMMM what did change? So, in order for Dems to speak out, they need a republican in office so they have the courage to speak out? WOW.
I agree with Mayor Warren’s and Boston City Council President Wu’s op-ed, and with Councilor Leary’s comments. I would add only that elimination of late night service is yet another critical blow to late shift workers and others who can ill afford the added cost for alternate transportation.
I agree with Mayor Warren’s and Boston City Council President Wu’s op-ed, and with Councilor Leary’s comments. I would add only that elimination of late night service is yet another critical blow to late shift workers and others who can ill afford the added cost for alternate transportation.
you guys are totally missing the point. Of course he’s for public transportation, who isn’t? He’s also against anti-semitism and poverty….who isn’t. He has yet to make a bold statement and why didn’t he speak ouit before. It doesn’t take any courage to speak out when the opposite party is in charge. You guys don’t get it. It’s not the issue, you can poll everyone on the blog and they will agree with him, he leads from behind and has taken up causes that are obvious and uncontroversial.
Actually Tom. We get it. We just aren’t as hung up on it as you are.
you guys are totally missing the point. Of course he’s for public transportation, who isn’t? He’s also against anti-semitism and poverty….who isn’t. He has yet to make a bold statement and why didn’t he speak ouit before. It doesn’t take any courage to speak out when the opposite party is in charge. You guys don’t get it. It’s not the issue, you can poll everyone on the blog and they will agree with him, he leads from behind and has taken up causes that are obvious and uncontroversial.
Actually Tom. We get it. We just aren’t as hung up on it as you are.
Lots of people aren’t, Tom, including most of Gov. Baker’s party, also the guy he endorsed for president. Then there’s the Koch brothers, who are actively trying to kill public transportation even in Boston. Clearly, that’s not Baker’s position, but under his watch it’s possible we’ll see services slashed for those who need it most and fares hiked in an even bigger way than the last round with Gov. Patrick, and as previously pointed out, Patrick was at least trying to raise funds, purchase equipment and salvage programs. Last time, Newton was able to somehow convince the administration to save our bus routes, without going to the Op-Ed page. It’s different this time, especially with so much development taking place. How much we invest in transit vs. roads will have an impact for a long time to come.
@Lucia, monthly passes may be underpriced, but individual fares really aren’t that much below most other cities, despite what has been reported
Lots of people aren’t, Tom, including most of Gov. Baker’s party, also the guy he endorsed for president. Then there’s the Koch brothers, who are actively trying to kill public transportation even in Boston. Clearly, that’s not Baker’s position, but under his watch it’s possible we’ll see services slashed for those who need it most and fares hiked in an even bigger way than the last round with Gov. Patrick, and as previously pointed out, Patrick was at least trying to raise funds, purchase equipment and salvage programs. Last time, Newton was able to somehow convince the administration to save our bus routes, without going to the Op-Ed page. It’s different this time, especially with so much development taking place. How much we invest in transit vs. roads will have an impact for a long time to come.
@Lucia, monthly passes may be underpriced, but individual fares really aren’t that much below most other cities, despite what has been reported
The more op-eds on public transportation, the better! I am happy to see Mayor Warren and the Boston City Counsel speaking out on this subject.
The more op-eds on public transportation, the better! I am happy to see Mayor Warren and the Boston City Counsel speaking out on this subject.