In my public comments to the #MBTA on behalf of @transitmatters, I focused on 3 main points. The T's cuts are ill-time, reckless, and unnecessary. 1/9

The T's plan supposes that the @MBTA can do nothing to bring riders back and ignores that there is a close relationship between the T and @MassDOT. The T should be creative in bring riders back. From @marty_walsh to the @bostonchamber to @davidortiz- bring out the big guns to 2/9

bring riders back to the T. @MassDOT has the ability to dedicate highway space to buses making trips faster, recommend new toll roads, and raise existing tolls. It shouldn't take lawsuits to force the agency to acknowledge and act on the harm that increasing emissions pose 3/

Secondly, these cuts run the risk of ghettoizing low-income riders. It's great that many routes *within* EJ communities will be spared from deep cuts, but what about fast workers in Watertown or kids who go to schools in a different town, or even low-income riders who want 4/9

visiting cultural activities in another town. What the @MBTA misses in its newfound equity push is that low-income riders live, work, play, and have loved ones in every community in the T's service area. Mobility is a human right. The T must also consider whether it's smart 5/9

to make the agency less relevant to suburban lawmakers and legislators. I wish it weren't the case, but no transit agency which is only, or primarily used, by low-income and POC riders is in good shape. Lastly, low ridership does not equal low importance. 6/9

Every bus route is a lifeline for the low-income, carless, and mobility impaired riders who use it. Late night and weekend service have maintained a higher % of previous ridership- that's because they're being used by essential workers. 7/9

We need to honor them with actions, not words. And beefing up midday, evening, and weekend service is likely to be critical for the future as we spread out work schedules. #TransitIsEssential. These cuts will not only take place as we start our recovery, 8/9

these cuts send a terrible signal to those trying to do their part in the climate fight. They send a bad signal to cities and towns building housing. They send a bad signal to those who wish to avoid congestion on the roads. The @MBTA & @MassDOT must rise to the occasion. 9/9