Published in the March 17, 2017 edition.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday Congressmen Seth Moulton and Mike Capuano led a delegation-wide letter to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in response to the MBTA’s proposed elimination of weekend commuter rail service and door-to-door service for seniors and people with disabilities.
That plan, which has not been finalized, would affect the Haverhill line that travels through Wakefield.
The letter notes these cuts “would leave some of the most vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth without access to transportation, and may drive people away from using our commuter rail system in the future,” and the entire delegation requests the MBTA consider other options to cut costs.
“Once again Governor (Charlie) Baker is looking to balance the books on the disabled, the elderly, and the people who need this service the most. Instead, the MBTA should follow the lead of leading transit agencies around the world that are finding innovative, cost-effective ways to expand off-peak service to drive ridership and revenue while providing critical transportation to the citizens they exist to serve,” said Moulton, who represents the Sixth Congressional District that includes Wakefield.
“While I understand that there are constraints on the MBTA’s budget and this is just an option under consideration, eliminating all weekend commuter rail service will create difficulties for people without access to other forms of travel,” said Capuano, who represents Massachusetts’ Seventh District in Congress. “Many rely on this service to get to their jobs and visit their families.”
“These potential service cuts would hurt Massachusetts families and local businesses that rely on the MBTA. I’m committed to working with the congressional delegation and state officials to support efforts to maintain our public transit system while improving access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for people across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.
“Affordable transportation options throughout the Commonwealth should be available to the elderly, disabled, and families who work and shop on the weekend. The commuter rail line is a lifeline, especially for workers across Massachusetts who travel to their jobs on the weekend. We must strive to have an efficient transit system in the Greater Boston area, which is why strengthening access to commuter rail service and door-to-door service for seniors and persons with disabilities must be a priority,” said Senator Edward J. Markey.
“Every day thousands of riders rely on the Worcester-Boston line and cutting this service would be a huge mistake that hurts families and businesses across Massachusetts,” Congressman Jim McGovern said. “The Worcester line has the second highest ridership of all commuter lines on the weekend and plays a vital role in connecting our regions and growing our state’s economy. Now more than ever we need to invest in smart public transportation options that are efficient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly. I urge Secretary Pollack and Chief Administrator Shortsleeve to do the right thing and protect the MBTA weekend commuter rail service from these damaging cuts.”
“Access to safe, affordable and reliable transportation plays a critical role in the lives of Massachusetts residents during the week and on the weekend,” said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. “The Third District has three major commuter rail lines – Haverhill, Lowell, and Fitchburg – and many residents rely on The Ride for their transportation needs. Cutting weekend rail service would have a very real impact on those who work on the weekend, forcing them to find alternative means of transportation that could be more costly and less reliable. And eliminating door-to-door ride service would cause undue burden for seniors and people with disabilities. Maintaining weekend service is important to this region’s economic and personal well-being.”
“Public transportation fortifies our local economies, connects our businesses and supports working families. Ending weekend travel on the MBTA commuter rail will reinforce income inequality in our state and increase divides between Greater Boston and the rest of Massachusetts,” said Congressman Joe Kennedy III .
