Murphy Opposes DeLeo on MBTA Plan; Proposes Gas Tax Increases

State Rep. Charley Murphy, D-Burlington, is speaking up against the leadership on Beacon Hill.

According to the Boston Herald, Murphy broke with House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo on the issue of how to fund continued services in the MBTA in the face of potential cuts, suggesting that his colleagues on the Hill consider an increase in the gas tax or a regional payroll tax. According to the Herald, DeLeo stated in an address before the House not to raise any additional taxes for the MBTA. 

This is not the first time in recent history that there has been tension between Murphy and the speaker. Last December, as reported in the Boston Globe, Murphy resigned his post as the majority whip after DeLeo had called a special caucus to oust him form the position. Yesterday's Herlad report highlighted that split, quoting Murphy as saying "“the speaker’s not king," in response to the argument over the MBTA.

Though Murphy's position is in opposition to DeLeo's, the call for increased tax revenue for the MBTA is in line with proposals by the governor and Boston mayor. In a Feb. 20 op-ed piece, also carried by the Boston Herald, Murphy praised the two leaders for taking an unpopular stand:

In that piece Murphy argued that the proposed cuts to make up the projected $160 million MBTA deficit for FY13 are "not feasible" and that additional revenue is required.

Murphy, who represents Burlington, Bedford and Wilmington, said the MBTA issue is not only a Boston issue and that the state must act to preserve the services many residents use for daily transportation.

The proposed cuts, as reported by Burlington Patch, would hit communities outside of Boston quite hard. Burlington, for example, would lose Bus Route 351 and the internal B-Line bus under the both scenarios and additionally would lose the other two bus routes, 350 and 351, if the second, more severe option is put in effect.

Wilmington, which is on the Lowell commutter rail, would face cuts and fair increases under the proposed remedies, as reported on Wilmington Patch.

What do you think? Do you agree a gas tax and/or a regional payroll tax is a worthwhile way to prevent MBTA service cuts? Let us know in the comments section.