We should build a bigger and better MBTA and fulfill the promises that were made
(Okay, I rewrote this, because I think, after further thought, that my views pretty much match up with the author’s.)
Charles D. Chieppo writes an op-ed piece in today’s Globe, where he basically says that, because the MBTA is so deeply in debt, it should cancel any new expansion plans, and use more of its current revenue (and any future rate hikes) to support maintenance of the T’s fleet and tracks.
It appears as though he supports completing projects under construction. Of course we should, it only makes sense.
I totally support completing Phase III of the Silver Line (much as I hate the airport link, ugh) and other approved projects. I would also like for rail service to return to Huntington Ave and Centre Street, in Jamaica Plain, although I guess residents in that area can’t decide whether or not they even want it.
I think extending the Green Line to West Medford is not the best use of funds, and I think extending the Blue Line to Lynn is silly. I’ve taken the commuter rail to downtown Lynn on several occasions, and it works, just fine.
I don’t agree with the author’s assertion that the multi-billion-dollar list of expansion projects secured by the Conservation Law Foundation was “ransom for building the Big Dig”.
There were very good reasons that we all wanted more public transportation. It’s because it helps those who live in city who don’t have cars, and helps improve our lives, through less traffic and less reliance on gasoline.
I am a great supporter of public transportation. How can anyone who lives in the city and uses it to get around, how can anyone who ever drives on the Southeast Expressway at rush hour think that there’s any alternative to repairing and improving AND EXPANDING the MBTA?
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