Opinion: MBTA not living up to its promises
Elizabeth Raftery
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Last January, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the sole provider of public transportation in the state, hiked subway fares from $1.00 to $1.25 and bus fares from $0.75 to $0.90. In return, the one-million plus residents and tourists who rely on public transportation every day to get around the city were promised "immediate service improvements," such as adding trains on busy lines and providing more police officers to ensure safety on the subways and in the subway stations.
The promised improvements have yet to be delivered.
In September, vehicle crime in subway lots increased by 155% [COMPARED TO LAST YR.?] Last week, Boston Police admitted that these acts of vandalism occurred partially because not enough officers have been hired to monitor every station. Further, after a fatal stabbing on the Red Line last month, Boston police are conducting an investigation to determine whether gang wars are taking place on subway cars or in subway stations.
For a time, there were notable differences in the subway service. On the Green Line in particular (the most popular subway line), patrons noticed an increase in the number of "Super Ts," modernized subway cars with more spacious interiors and added seating room. This occurred in the months of July and August, the period of time surrounding the Democratic National Convention, an event which brought tourists, celebrities and political bigwigs to the city. Now that the festivities are over, Super Ts are a rarity.
The MBTA Customer Bill of Rights, available online at www.mbta.com, guarantees riders the right to courteous, clean, accessible, dependable, safe and on-time service. The document reads, "Your safety is our top priority... Simply put, you deserve the best." Is the current subway service is the best it can be? If so, that's disappointing.
The Bill of Rights also promises that if subway cars arrive more than 15 minutes late, riders will be notified ahead of time. But most subway stations do not have posted schedules, so riders are unaware as to what time their car is supposed to arrive. Second, the Bill of Rights states that riders can obtain such information by going to the MBTA's website, calling the MBTA headquarters, or listening for a PA announcement. However, very few people have cell phone service while on the T, and fewer have access to the internet. Stations that are located above ground outside do not even have a PA system.
This past month, a letter to the editor in the Boston Metro complained of slow service, unanticipated delays during rush hour, overcrowded trains and unfriendly drivers. So where are our extra few pennies going? For a person who rides the subway every day, the fare increase results in an extra $10 per month.
Bostonians deserve timely improvements, as promised, especially when they are paying directly, not through a tax but through an added subway fare. After the Big Dig's excessive length and cost, the last thing Boston needs is empty promises from city officials, and that seems to be all they have gotten so far from the MBTA.