City Council opposes MBTA service cuts

Bostonians, especially those belonging to low-income communities and communities of color, depend on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to provide safe, reliable mobility and access to jobs, education, and critical services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, public transportation has been the primary means of commuting for many essential workers across the Greater Boston region.



Through the period of the first surge of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts, the MBTA implemented rear-door boarding and free bus service to ensure safety and health for drivers and all riders commuting during the public health crisis, but the agency rescinded these measures after case counts decreased.



COVID-19 positivity rates are now accelerating as a second surge. Instead of returning to essential public health and safety measures on MBTA buses, the agency has proposed cutting service, which could ultimately increase crowding and therefore increase the risk of infection for riders and drivers.



During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution opposing MBTA service cuts and urged essential public health and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.