November Advocacy Update

Transportation Topics

The Oct 15 meeting of the MBTA Rider’s Transportation Access Group (R-TAG) focused on the MBTA’s Forging Ahead initiative, which will be making some hard choices about 2021 service cuts and system redesign to cope with serious COVID-related budget shortfalls. There appears to be no plan to alter RIDE service, but there is the potential to change some areas to “premium” service and fares. Cuts to some commuter rail and ferry services are likely, and bus routes may be redesigned. Some station/stop accessibility projects may be delayed.

The MBTA says that maintaining and even augmenting “essential services” for persons with disabilities is a very high priority, but we should make our voices heard because municipalities and other user groups will be lobbying for their “piece of the pie.” If you use the fixed-route system (especially buses), please give the MBTA feedback on what routes, stations, and stops are important to you. You can do this in any of four ways:

1. By attending the next virtual R-TAG meeting on Nov 19

2. By submitting feedback on the Forging Ahead website,

3. By saving-the-date for a Spinal Source session with the MBTA’s community liaisons for the Forging Ahead initiative, scheduled for Saturday, Nov 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (details coming soon).

4. By participating in one of the MBTA’s 9 public hearings in Nov and Dec, organized by town/city.

In the meantime: MBTA RIDE spokespeople say that the new Routematch trip planning software is performing at or better than standards require, a big improvement since its big troubles in August. However, Oct 15 R-TAG meeting attendees described some ongoing issues. Please email R-TAG about any problems you have. Also see the RIDE’s web portal FAQ page for helpful tips.

If you have any questions or comments about MBTA or other transportation issues, feel free to reach out to GBC Advocacy Committee member Abby Swaine, abby.swaine@gmail.com