The MBTA Cuts: How will it affect you?

I attended the first of many meetings that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is holding across the state to ask the residents for their suggestions on the best ways to raise fares and to reduce services.

For residents of Zone 8 covering the Worcester and Framingham lines, service reductions and fares increases between 35-43% are unfair and inequitable. I agree with Worcester officials and politicians that eliminating train service on the weekends and after 10 p.m. will hurt the economies of Worcester and the surrounding towns like Shrewsbury from getting out of the current recession.

Also, many residents will not be able to enjoy the many activities such as attending the Boston Red Sox games and shopping at many of Boston's unique stores and venues if commuter rail is eliminated on the weekends.

It is a reality that the MBTA is facing a $161 million deficit due to increases in healthcare costs, utilities and fuel and to infrastructure replacements. The MBTA also stated that the appropriated state income revenue only pays a small portion of the debt that is currently increasing every year.

I believe that MBTA is sending a message to the legislators to raise the state income appropriations to help pay down the debt and to pay more for their expenses or else the devasted cuts will go through and hurt their constituents. While I see a compromise between the legislators and the MBTA, it is hoped that the legislators will also hold the MBTA more accountable in how their manage their funds.

For now, if the cuts do go through, it is inevitable that many residents will probably drive to Boston that will increase traffic on the Massachusetts Turnpike and increase pollution of fumes and gases in our environment.

I welcome your comments.