BROAD COALITION RELEASES RECOMMENDATIONS
TO KEEP MBTA RIDERS AND EMPLOYEES SAFE
AND SUPPORT MASSACHUSETTS ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Marino Diaz Cruz wipes down the surfaces inside an MBTA bus with disinfectant after it pulled into Ashmont Station From Jackson Square. Jesse Costa/WBUR
As more people return to the MBTA, these recommendations highlight the positive steps the MBTA has already undertaken and the additional measures needed to ensure rider and operator safety, address perceptions that transit is unsafe, and enhance the safety and efficiency of the system.
June 24, 2020 – Today a broad coalition of more than two dozen organizations released recommendations to improve the accessibility, equity, safety, and effectiveness of the MBTA.
As Massachusetts continues a phased reopening, safety and public health are top-of-mind as more riders return to the MBTA. Recent polling by the MassINC Polling Group has shown that the crisis has raised anxiety and fear for many riders about the safety of transit, but there are steps the MBTA has taken and can take to limit risks for riders and employees.
The recommendations released today are intended to both highlight the positive steps the MBTA has already undertaken as well as identify areas where the MBTA can do more to ensure rider and operator safety, address perceptions that transit is unsafe, and enhance the safety and efficiency of the system.
The full recommendations may be viewed online here.
“The MBTA has taken important steps to limit risks to the riding public, and there is more that it can do. The Massachusetts economy only works when we have a robust transit system that people feel safe riding, so it’s critical that we quickly rebuild confidence with the riding public that transit can be — and is — safe,” said Chris Dempsey, Director of Transportation for Massachusetts.
The group is supportive of a number of efforts the MBTA has already implemented, including piloting face covering dissemination, real-time crowding updates, and the MBTA’s responsiveness in its operations and cleaning regimen. It also recommends several additional steps the MBTA could take to further improve service and safety.
Short-term recommendations include increasing regular communications (especially when changes related to public-health and service schedules occur), increasing the frequency and responsiveness of service, and expanding the Lynn Commuter Rail Station pilot to serve more communities.
The group also suggested several longer-term improvements including working with community and business leaders to reshape full service, implementing a means-tested fare program and increasing the frequency of commuter rail trips.
“The T is the lifeblood of the region – it kept us moving at the height of the pandemic and is central to our economic recovery,” said Stacy Thompson, Executive Director of LivableStreets Alliance. “As a coalition, we are ready to work with the MBTA and the legislature to ensure the MBTA remains a safe and essential service for residents of the Commonwealth”.
For more details or to read the full set of recommendations see here.
CONTACTS:
Stacy Thompson, Executive Director, LivableStreets, stacy@livablestreets.info, 651-206-1068
Chris Dempsey, Director, T4MA, cdempsey@t4ma.org, 617-797-8788
The full set of recommendations is available here
LivableStreets Alliance is an advocacy organization working to create a world where streets are safe, vibrant public spaces that connect people to the places where they live, work and play. LivableStreets advocates for innovative and equitable transportation solutions that create safe, affordable and convenient options for everyone in Metro Boston.
https://www.livablestreets.info
Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) is a diverse coalition of more than 90 member and partner organizations with a stake in improving transportation across the Commonwealth. Our coalition advocates at the state, federal, and local levels for transportation policies that are innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. We want a transportation system that strengthens our economy and our communities, while also being safer, healthier, more affordable and reliable.
The 495/MetroWest Partnership, through a unique public-private collaboration with businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders, is the regional leader for creating an environment that prepares for and cultivates sustainable growth. We accomplish this by coordinating, educating, and advocating for solutions to regional constraints and limited natural resources.
The Alliance for Business Leadership is a non-partisan coalition of CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders at all levels who have one thing in common: we believe that social responsibility and the sustainable growth of the Massachusetts economy go hand in hand.
Allston Brighton Health Collaborative (ABHC) is a collaboration of organizations devoted to working together to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of the Boston neighborhoods of Allston and Brighton.
Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE) is a neighborhood based, environmental justice and transit-oriented development nonprofit. They organize Roxbury residents and work with community organizers locally, statewide and nationally to build platforms and offer resources that address systemic injustice. They work directly within the frontline communities that are most impacted bringing critical solutions that include advocacy, organizing, legal and regulatory campaigns. ACE is the first environmental justice nonprofit organization in Massachusetts and has defended the rights of Roxbury residents for over 25 years.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Stepping Strong Injury Prevention Program works to catalyze multidisciplinary collaborations that inspire groundbreaking innovation, effective prevention, and compassionate intervention to transform care for civilians and military heroes who endure traumatic injuries and events.
Conservation Law Foundation protects New England’s environment for the benefit of all people. We use the law, science and the market to create solutions that preserve our natural resources, build healthy communities, and sustain a vibrant economy.
Environment Massachusetts works to transform the power of our imaginations and our ideas into change that makes our world a greener and healthier place for all.
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy works around the world to design and implement high quality transport systems and policy solutions that make cities more livable, equitable, and sustainable.
John Snow, Inc. is a public health research and consulting firm in the United States and around the world. Named after the English physician John Snow, JSI, with its nonprofit partner JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., provides technical and managerial assistance to public health programs worldwide.
Kendall Square Association (KSA) is a group of Kendall Square leaders, whose mission has always been to build partnerships, host events, advocate for public policy issues, and tell Kendall’s story of transformation from an industrial center to a global innovation hub.
Massachusetts Sierra Club is the state chapter of the largest, oldest, and most influential environmental grassroots organization in the country, whose mission is to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out those objectives.
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is a coalition that works to eradicate homelessness from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) is a private, non-profit 501c3, statewide membership organization that promotes a healthy Massachusetts through advocacy, education, community organizing, and coalition building. Our focus is on policies and programs that prevent illness, disease, and injury, especially among individuals and communities facing inequities. MPHA was founded in 1879 and is a leading affiliate of the American Public Health Association.
Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) promotes a bicycle-friendly environment and encourages bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation.
MassINC Gateway Cities Innovation Institute works to unlock the economic potential of small to mid-size regional cities. Leveraging MassINC’s research, polling, and policy team, the Institute strengthens connections across communities and helps Gateway City leaders develop and advance a shared policy agenda.
MASSPIRG is a consumer group that stands up to powerful interests whenever they threaten our health and safety, our financial security or our right to fully participate in our democratic society.
Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) is a collaborative organization, bringing together Mattapan residents, organizations and others to work on improving the food and physical activity environments in Mattapan. MFFC promotes healthy behaviors through its membership, its networks, and its partnerships with other organizations. MFFC provides leadership through community engagement.
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston.
Transportation Working Group of 350MA is building a powerful statewide social movement to confront the climate crisis, hold our politicians accountable and undermine the destructive influence of the fossil fuel industry.
TransitMatters is dedicated to improving transit in and around Boston by offering new perspectives, uniting transit advocates, and informing the public. We utilize a high level of critical analysis to advocate for plans and policies that promote convenient, effective, and equitable transportation for everyone.
WalkBoston makes walking safer and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment and more vibrant communities.