Public transit is a vital service particularly in lower-income communities and communities of color. Public transit allows residents access to jobs, school, friends , family, goods and services, while reducing pollution and contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Along with Action for Equity, ACE, La Comunidad, Mystic Valley NAACP, and NAICOB worked on this survey. We understand the need for quality, consistent and accessible transit and would like to hear from you about ways that the MBTA is, or is failing to, meet those standards.
Action for Equity Executive Director with State Representative Brandy Fluker Oakley.
Governor Maura Healey with FITC Coalition members.
|
Electrifying the Future: A Milestone for the Fairmount Line and Our Communities The Fairmount Line is getting a transformative upgrade. The MBTA recently approved a $54 million contract to bring battery-electric trains to Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park by 2028. This move marks a significant step forward in improving transit options for these communities, promising more frequent service with reduced pollution. While the project is still a few years from completion, the excitement is evident as public officials and community leaders gathered on August 13, 2024, at the Morton Street stop to celebrate this crucial milestone.
This progress results from years of dedication and advocacy from the Fairmount Indigo Transit Coalition (FITC), a coalition of community organizations in greater Boston that has long championed transit justice. The FITC, founded by Marvin Martin, our Executive Director at Action for Equity, has been instrumental in pushing for these much-needed improvements. Members of Action for Equity joined the press event, standing alongside other coalition members, community advocates, and local politicians to mark this significant achievement. As we look ahead, introducing battery-electric trains on the Fairmount Line will bring tangible benefits to Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park residents. With more frequent service, less pollution, and a commitment to a greener future, this project improves transit and contributes to a more sustainable environment. The electrification of the Fairmont line is a significant step towards a brighter, cleaner future, and we are proud to see the fruits of our collective labor and remain committed to accelerating this progress for the benefit of all. |
LivableStreets Alliance, T-Riders Union, Arborway Committee and other Action for Equity members have been leading the way for Transit Justice
We advance our goals through several initiatives. Take a look here for what’s happening now:
T Riders’ Union: https://www.facebook.com/tridersunion
Transit is Essential: https://transitisessential.org
Public transit is a vital service for communities throughout the state of Massachusetts and across the country. Particularly in lower-income communities and communities of color, where car ownership is less common and environmental injustice is already severe, public transit allows residents access to employment opportunities, school, friends and family, and goods and services, while reducing pollution and contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Although public transit is such an important service for urban communities, local governments and transit agencies systematically fail to meet the needs of transit-dependent neighborhoods in Greater Boston and across the state.
We must ensure that our transit authorities provide enough service to allow riders to maintain physical distancing while we are still in the midst of the pandemic. At the same time, the Legislature and the MBTA must act now to prepare for a dynamic, equitable post-COVID Commonwealth.
We don’t know exactly what this future will look like, but we CAN shape it. If we want communities with clean air, good jobs within reach, and healthier residents of all ages, we need to be proactive in supporting convenient and affordable mass transit now.
T Riders’ Union: https://www.facebook.com/tridersunion
Transit is Essential: https://transitisessential.org
Public transit is a vital service for communities throughout the state of Massachusetts and across the country. Particularly in lower-income communities and communities of color, where car ownership is less common and environmental injustice is already severe, public transit allows residents access to employment opportunities, school, friends and family, and goods and services, while reducing pollution and contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Although public transit is such an important service for urban communities, local governments and transit agencies systematically fail to meet the needs of transit-dependent neighborhoods in Greater Boston and across the state.
We must ensure that our transit authorities provide enough service to allow riders to maintain physical distancing while we are still in the midst of the pandemic. At the same time, the Legislature and the MBTA must act now to prepare for a dynamic, equitable post-COVID Commonwealth.
We don’t know exactly what this future will look like, but we CAN shape it. If we want communities with clean air, good jobs within reach, and healthier residents of all ages, we need to be proactive in supporting convenient and affordable mass transit now.
TRU joins Green Justice Alliance, CPA, Green Roots, Action for Equity and residents demanding responses from FMCB on impact of expansion to Foxborough
Community residents spoke out at the July meeting of the Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) of the MBTA. What was going to happen if Foxborough residents filled all the seats before reaching Boston? Was there any plan to ensure local residents had fair access? In response to community question, Chairman Aiello agreed the MBTA must have a contingency plan if the trains fill up before reaching Boston. He suggested having cars reserved empty for the Fairmount Line portion of the route to assure that no one is left standing.
As Mela Miles, TRU, said, “Because those who fought for the service for more than 15 years, must not be left standing in the aisles, or waiting on platforms, while Foxboro residents sit, relaxed, in OUR seats.” Assistant GM of Commuter Rail Services for the MBTA, Jodi Ray, agreed to come to the next FITC meeting.
As Mela Miles, TRU, said, “Because those who fought for the service for more than 15 years, must not be left standing in the aisles, or waiting on platforms, while Foxboro residents sit, relaxed, in OUR seats.” Assistant GM of Commuter Rail Services for the MBTA, Jodi Ray, agreed to come to the next FITC meeting.
