MEDIA ADVISORY

January, 18 2012

OTM, Boston’s Transportation Justice Coalition, Urges Elected Officials to Attend MBTA Public Meetings in their Districts Elected Officials Need to Hear Concerns of Voters and Constituents

WHAT: The MBTA unveiled their proposal to close the MBTA’s FY 2012 budget gap, which uses a mix of sharp fare increases and drastic service reductions that would greatly impacting the communities and individuals dependent on public transportation in Greater Boston.  On the Move (OTM), a coalition of transportation advocacy and community organizations, believes a long-term plan for transportation funding must be crafted and considered without “balancing the books on the back of riders” as the only option available.

WHO: T riders; Transportation advocates; Legislative Representatives with Districts served by the MBTA

WHEN: MBTA Public Workshops and Hearings; January 17 to March 6, 2012 (20 Planned Sessions); OTM will be testifying at some of them – contact for details

WHERE: Newton, MA; Worcester, MA; Chelsea, MA; Somerville, MA; Lynn, MA; Lowell, MA; Salem, MA; Brockton, MA; Attleboro, MA; Framingham, MA; Hingham, MA; Malden, MA; Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Quincy, MA; and neighborhoods across Boston, MA.

WHY: OTM cites the lack of proper dedicated transit funding, a public transportation system saddled with overwhelming Big Dig debt, and a legislature unwilling to take the steps necessary to invest in the Commonwealth’s transportation system, as the underlying problems that adversely affect all lines and modes of transportation. These public meetings present a golden opportunity for decision-makers to hear directly from their constituents about the way that these fare increases and service cuts will hurt low-income people, seniors, youth, riders and drivers, and about the importance of transit to these populations. .

HOW: For interviews or additional information please contact Kevin Raymond Odell, Coalition Coordinator, at 978-429-5515 or email at kevin.odell@bostononthemove.org

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On the Move (OTM)

www.bostononthemove.org