Opinion: Funding The T Should Be a Massachusetts State Priority

After multiple fatal incidents, Rich Barlow argues that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) “needs a state rainmaker” to upgrade its infrastructure and improve safety for its riders and operators. “The Massachusetts Legislature, under pressure from inspectors at the Federal Transit Authority, sent Gov. Charlie Baker a state budget with $266 million for correctives, and separate bond bills authorizing $400 million for infrastructure upgrades to meet the feds’ demands.”

According to Barlow, “The budget includes money for new dispatchers to end debilitating shifts of up to 20 hours. Staff shortages forced summer service cuts that likely will leave some commuters cooling their heels into next year.” Meanwhile, a proposal to reduce fares for low-income riders could cost an additional $85 million. 

“Ridership remains more than one-third off its pre-pandemic level, depressed by remote work, virus surges, and users’ frayed patience with service problems.” But many commuters remain dependent on public transit, and encouraging transit over cars is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, solving the agency’s financial woes is incumbent on state leaders, Barlow writes. “Massachusetts leaders long ignored their duty by ignoring an agency that serves more than just commuters; it’s simultaneously an anti-poverty policy — not everyone can afford a car, and those who can’t need transportation to their jobs — and a climate change policy.”