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Building a Just Transit System
Last week was a trying time for all Bostonians, but especially black ones. Although Boston hasn't made the news for a high profile shooting in the past few years, the city is not exempt from police violence (Justin Root, killed by police outside B&W Hospital; MBTA police beat Mary Holmes for trying to stop their brutal attack on fellow rider). The MBTA spent a week mired in controversy of their own doing: First, they closed stations on Sunday in a way that left protestors feeling trapped between multiple flanks of police, and left hundreds of riders stranded or severely inconvenienced; Secondly, the MBTA used their own buses to transport police to non-violent protests at a time when drivers and buses have been scarce in EJ communities and when stations were closed to riders. Station closures and the wholly inappropriate use of MBTA buses continued throughout the week with no real answers from MBTA leadership.
(Newsbreak)
Thankfully, many of you emailed and tweeted about both issues, raising the profile. Soon these issues forced a Boston City Council resolutions and was the focus of radio shows and press articles. Finally, on Friday, the MBTA partially agreed to one of the demands: Stop using MBTA buses to transport police to non-violent protests. While we're thankful to the General Manager and MBTA leadership, this is not enough.
(Click above to sign the petition)
We've joined with a number of advocacy organizations in calling for the T to guarantee they will not leave riders stranded or close stations in a racially biased manner. We're calling on them to guarantee that MBTA buses will never be used to transport arrestees. And we're also calling on them to continue their good work in decriminalizing transit, accelerated means-tested fares to expand access, and commit to addressing brutality and discrimination within the MBTA police.
Please join us in calling for the T to do better. Making the T better is about more than new vehicles, rehabbed track, and clean stations, it's about an agency that treats its riders with dignity. Sign our petition and send it to every Metro Boston resident you know. Together we're going to build a better, just system.
Yours Truly,
Jarred Johnson
Director, TransitMatters
To see more read our press statements from last week:
TransitMatters Calls for an End To Police Brutality & Urges The T To Commit To Freedom of Movement, Re: GM Statement and Use of Buses for Police, Re: T Decision to Stop Busing Municipal Police to Protest Sites
Take Action by signing the Racial Justice & Police Accountability for MBTA Petition
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Stay Informed!
MBTA Updates
Service Bulletin
Well ahead of anticipated rises in passenger volume, MBTA will increase service for all subway lines and add weekday service for nearly 60 bus routes! Starting June 21st, the MBTA will return to full weekday service on the subway and add significantly more service for Commuter Rail and resume all MBTA ferries on limited weekday schedule. Read more here
Green Line Updates
With the goal of expediting safety and reliability improvements through a focus on core infrastructure investments, the MBTA today announced 2 full 9-day closures of the Green Line D branch between Kenmore and Riverside Stations during the month of June to allow for accelerated track and infrastructure work. During this accelerated work, shuttle buses will replace service between Riverside and Kenmore from June 6 through June 14 as well as from June 20 through June 28, each for nine consecutive days, including weekdays and weekends. During these 2 full 9-day closures, express shuttle buses will also operate during weekday peak hours making stops at Riverside, Woodland, and Copley Stations only.
“Accelerating this necessary work is an important part of our strategy to rebuild track and signal infrastructure along the Green Line, leading to faster trips and more reliable service for D branch customers,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “As always, our primary focus is on safety, especially during the initial phases of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. The MBTA’s bus shuttle service will include measures to limit capacity, promote physical distancing, and require face coverings. We acknowledge that shuttle bus diversions can be an inconvenience, but these expanded work windows allow us to make much faster progress on critical track and signal infrastructure.”
Read more on the MBTA website.
Video Updates
Check out the latest update from MBTA General Manager, Steve Poftak, below:
Regular Updates
Remember all riders are required to wear face coverings. Visit mbta.com for more information. And check out this easy DIY guide to making your own face covering.
With lower ridership, the MBTA is taking this opportunity to complete or accelerate needed engineering work. If you have essential trips to make over the weekend, be sure to check mbta.com for up-to-date information on diversions.
Remember to only use the MBTA for essential trips! For the most up-to-date schedule and service info, as well as how the MBTA is taking steps to keep riders and front-line transit staff safe, visit www.mbta.com/covid19.
Where To Start...
This compilation of resources is meant to be a starter guide for those looking to educate themselves on the #BLM Movement. This document was compiled solely by Danielle Dirksen from outside sources and does not necessarily reflect on the views of TransitMatters, METRANS Transportation Center, or its partners. We do not claim the creation of any materials listed.
This is from the point of view of a white USC student and as a future transportation planner looking to do better, both from the white-privilege and urban planning perspectives. We hope that you can use these resources to make a positive change in the (transportation) planning profession for all, especially for Black folks.
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Stay Connected!
Pride & Transit with Monica Tibbits-Nutt
Wednesday, June 24th, 6:00 PM EST
We're bringing back our signature Beer & Transit series with a twist! It's our second annual Pride & Transit evening to celebrate Pride Month! Save the date for Fiscal Management and Control Board member, Executive Director of the Rt. 128 Business Council, and LGBTQ+ leader, Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Join LGBTQ+ and ally transit advocates to remember the important contributions that LGBTQ+ people have made to transportation and party (physical distancing style)!
The event will be free, but we will solicit donations for an LGBTQ+ charity we'll highlight ahead of the event. See you soon!
Register Today!
(remember to never share your registration link or password with anyone!)
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Keep Us Moving Forward
Making a difference every day – that’s the TransitMatters approach to data-driven advocacy for a more reliable, sustainable and equitable transit system in Metropolitan Boston.
Tell a friend about your TransitMatters membership and ask them to join.
Your support matters and we won't let you down.
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