Wu backs low-income MBTA fare
May 2, 2022
Eliminating fares has been one of her top priorities Boston Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a rally in favor of a low-income fare on the MBTA. BOSTON MAYOR Michelle Wu,
We need a transit system that works for all.
Riders and workers are the lifeblood of the system. We need safe, equitable and accessible public transportation.
We need a transit system that works for all.
Riders and workers are the lifeblood of the system. We need safe, equitable and accessible public transportation.
Transit in Crisis
Massachusetts needs equitable, affordable, safe and reliable transit. But COVID-19 has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of our transit systems that existed even before the pandemic.
- Riders from low-income communities and communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have struggled to pay the high MBTA fares.
- MBTA service cuts that threatened mobility and jobs were made over the objections of the public — and only restored after months of rider and worker organizing.
- Revenue has declined, demonstrating that current funding mechanisms are not sustainable in moments of crisis.
The transit crisis disproportionately burdens communities of color and low-income families, who already have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Make Transit Affordable
We need a discounted fare for low-income riders. Even before the pandemic, many riders were struggling to afford bus and train fares. Structural racism and economic exploitation have created deep inequalities in Massachusetts as elsewhere, leaving working families and communities of color struggling to make ends meet. COVID-19 has thrown even more of us into economic insecurity. Harmful trends including growing income inequality, automation, gigification, and gaps in the social safety net disproportionately impact communities of color and working families who rely on public transit.
Fund Transit Fairly and Sustainably
Massachusetts needs ongoing, sustainable revenue to operate, maintain and improve our public transit systems. The MBTA and the Commonwealth’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities face financial challenges that can be fixed by new, progressive sources of revenue.
- Transit is the engine of our economy. Profitable corporations and wealthy individuals who benefit most should pay their fair share to operate, maintain and improve our public transit systems.
- This November, voters can approve the Fair Share Amendment to ensure multi-millionaires contribute adequately to our Commonwealth’s transportation and education needs.
The Massachusetts legislature should enact new progressive revenue options to fund transit, like raising the tax rates on unearned income and corporate income.
About Us
Public Transit Public Good is a partnership of transit workers and riders throughout Massachusetts fighting for the future of public transit. PTPG is convened by Community Labor United.
About Us
Public Transit Public Good is a partnership of transit workers and riders throughout Massachusetts. PTPG is convened by community Labor United.
Interested in joining our efforts? Reach out to us today!
Coalition Members
- Alliance of MBTA Unions
- Alternatives for Community & Environment
- Amalgamated Transit Union
- Bricklayers Local 3
- Chinese Progressive Association
- Clean Water Action
- Coalition for Social Justice
- Community Labor United
- GreenRoots
- Greater Boston Labor Council
- Insulators Local 6
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103
- Ironworkers Local 7
- Laborers Local 22
- Laborers Local 223
- Machinists Local 264
- Massachusetts AFL-CIO
- Massachusetts Senior Action Council
- Metro Boston Building Trades Council
- Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts
- Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 453
- Operating Engineers Local 4
- Painters and Allied Trades DC 35
- Pipefitters Local 537
- Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 534
- Roofers Local 33
- Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ
- Sheet Metal Workers Local 17
- Teamsters Joint Council 10 New England
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At Park Street, Mayor Wu supports low-income fare program for the T
May 2, 2022
At Park Street, Mayor Wu supports low-income fare program for the T Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined transit advocates in downtown Boston Monday to call on state lawmakers to pass
Boston mayor, others rally to push MBTA for low income fare program
May 2, 2022
Transit advocates, including Boston mayor Michelle Wu, held a rally at the Park Street MBTA stop next to Boston Common on Monday, pushing the MBTA for a low income fare