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.