In a move that could put more change back in commuters' pockets, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has rolled out a proposal to slash fares by 50% for low-income riders. According to a Boston Herald report, this initiative is aimed at boosting ridership while giving a financial break to those struggling with the expense of public transit.
Hoping for change, transportation woes have been a thorn in the side for Bostonians. "Definitely could be faster. I pay $360 for the monthly commuter pass for Rail 7A, I think it's a bit expensive," T rider Hunter Wieckowski told CBS Boston. The anticipated program, expected to be officially implemented in the summer, comes on the heels of the state's financial boost to public systems of transportation, announced by Governor Maura Healey.
The monetary commitment, as Gov. Healey assured, would make "historic commitments to the MBTA." Coupled with the half-price fare program, the MBTA is banking on attracting an additional 60,000 riders, reported by CBS Boston. This move is set against a backdrop of dwindling ridership and revenue losses the MBTA is currently grappling with.
Yet, according to MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, savings from track and safety enhancements are expected to underpin the fare cut. "It's going to make mass transportation an even bigger part of growing the economy, quality of life and the ability for people who want to live, work and play in the Commonwealth," Eng said in an interview with CBS Boston. Meanwhile, transportation advocates are buoyed by the potential impact on low-income communities.
"People are making a lot of tradeoffs to be able to afford the fare. Giving up meals, passing up on basics, just staying at home. We can help it by bringing the T fares down," stated Susanne Bohme of the Public Transit Public Good Coalition, according to CBS News Boston. Although the state has contributed forty million dollars to this initiative, the program's long-term financial viability remains to be evaluated.
