Money Back Guarantee On Transit

"Starting Thursday [February 22], Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority riders will receive a free round-trip voucher if their bus, train or trolley arrives more than 30 minutes late. "It's like that pizza-delivery service guarantee," said Chris Erichsen, 20, a free-lance writer. State transportation officials say it's the first time a U.S. mass transit agency has offered such a guarantee. "Put plainly, customer service is job one," Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Sullivan said. "If the MBTA is to continue its impressive trend of expansion, it has to put a strong focus on the needs of its riders." But Joel Trapp, a 20-year-old college student, dismissed the promise as a public relations gimmick. He said his train home is sometimes 45 minutes late. "I don't think they care about the rider. It's just PR," he said."