Governor, lawmakers need to step up with increase in gas tax
THE MBTA'S proposal of fare hikes and service cuts is bad news (``T proposes fare hikes, sharp cuts in service,'' Page A1, Jan. 4). Yes, a small fare increase is tolerable, and some minor reductions in low-use services would be OK. But it's time for the governor and the Legislature to step up to the plate with a small increase in the state's gasoline tax to close the budget gap.
With gasoline well over $3 a gallon, as it's been for years, a few more cents of state gas tax would hardly be noticed at the pump. I don't know how many extra pennies per gallon would be needed, but it can't be many. Those of us who drive sometimes and use the T sometimes can't complain about paying to support the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Those who always drive and never use the T benefit by having the T riders off the road.
Maybe add a few more cents to help with the highways and bridges that seem to be underfunded too.
Please, Governor Patrick and legislative leaders, show some backbone.
Winchester
T abandons its mission along with weekend riders
THE MASSACHUSETTS Bay Transportation Authority proposes increasing fares overall by almost 50 percent and ending weekend commuter rail trips? Are they out of their minds?
I am a nondriver who depends on the MBTA. I commute by bicycle and train, working in Boston some weekends, and I have family members who use the commuter rail on weekends. In essence, the T is proposing cutting Boston off on weekends, as well as making the line to T.F. Green Airport useless for weekend travelers.
This is an abandonment of the following: the T's obligation to maintain at least minimal travel options to those who do not drive or own cars; its obligation to support and enhance nonautomotive travel between Boston and other cities and towns; and the principle that public transportation is reasonable and necessary for both occasional and regular users.
This proposal is penny-wise and pound-foolish. I can report that on weekends and weekdays, and particularly on the Providence Line, the trains are rarely empty. Double the cost and halve the service? This is a way to destroy the system, not preserve it.
Attleboro
Seniors hit
particularly hard
THE TWO alternative scenarios for proposed fare hikes on the MBTA are presented as overall fare increases of 43 percent under scenario 1 and 35 percent under scenario 2 (``T proposes fare hikes, sharp cuts in service,'' Page A1, Jan. 4). Yet this weighted average includes fare increases of between 150 and 175 percent (scenario 1) and 83.3 and 87.5 percent (scenario 2) for CharlieCards for seniors, a group to which I belong. I understand that fare increases are probably necessary, but I would like to understand the basis and justification for singling out seniors for percentage increases that are far greater than those proposed for other MBTA patrons. Does the T think we would not notice?
