The Green Line meeting has already happened — but it’s not too late to . . .
Elected officials have organized a Public Information Meeting on Green Line Capacity Issues & Solutions on January 17th at the Boston Public Library. If you would like further information about this forum you may contact any of the co-sponsors noted in the press release below or Michael Buckley in our office at 617-722-1280 or Michael.Buckley@masenate.gov. You may share an invitation to this forum here: Green Line Forum Invitation.
ELECTED OFFICIALS TO LEARN MORE ON GREEN LINE OPERATIONS,
PUBLIC WELCOME
BOSTON (Monday, January 7, 2013) — Local elected officials have organized a Public Information Meeting on Green Line capacity issues and solutions for improved service. The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 17at 6:00 PM at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston Street, Mezzanine Conference Room.
MBTA personnel will be giving a presentation and will accept questions from the public. Attendees will gain an understanding of:
- Green Line current capacity;
- What capital improvements could improve Green Line service;
- What costs are associated with substantial upgrades in service and capacity;
- How the capital planning process works in the MBTA;
- What is the Green Line doing to meet accessibility needs;
- How do the Green Line improvement priorities fit within the larger funding challenges for the MBTA.
Elected officials co-sponsoring the public meeting are State Senators Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont), Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Jamaica Plain), Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton), Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville); State Representatives Gloria Fox (D-Roxbury), Kevin Honan (D-Brighton), Mike Moran (D-Brighton), Byron Rushing (D-Boston), Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), and Marty Walz (D-Boston); and Boston City Councilors Mike Ross (District 8) and Mark Ciommo (District 9).
“The Green Line is vital to the economic health and quality of life in Boston and surrounding areas. I appreciate the MBTA’s willingness to help educate the public on the operational challenges of the Green Line,” said Senator Will Brownsberger.
“Residents of Boston and the inner suburbs rely on the MBTA,” said Senator Creem. “While we struggle to find adequate funding mechanisms for mass transit, we must keep the public informed and involved in planning future improvements.”
“The Green Line is integral to the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of the city of Boston. It connects residents and visitors to the heart of our city—our universities, hospitals, museums, performing arts centers, restaurants, and many small businesses. It also provides our seniors, youth, and disabled residents access to the educational, social, and health care services that they depend upon for their quality of life. While the Green Line faces many challenges, it’s in our state’s best interest to face these challenges head-on, and I look forward to learning about the many creative ideas for doing so,” stated Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz.
“With local residents and businesses relying heavily on the Green Line, it is important to understand the line’s operational constraints as well as the costs associated with improving service and expanding capacity. I am pleased the MBTA is engaging the public in discussions about the fiscal and operational challenges it faces and about how the Green Line can better serve its riders,” said Representative Marty Walz.
“The Green Line is a life line for our communities, helping to facilitate economic development, protect public health, and preserve the environment. It is imperative for us to invest in our public transit infrastructure. I look forward to a discussion about ways we can work to improve this crucial resource,” said Representative Frank Smizik.
“These essential lines in our public transit system need to work better. The public’s input can be most effective when we all know the constraints and opportunities in improving these lines,” said Representative Byron Rushing.
“This is an opportunity for the ridership to learn about changes and improvements proposed by the MBTA. I encourage all concerned residents to participate in this stage of the public process,” said Representative Kevin Honan.
“Good public transportation is the hallmark of a successful city and critical for Boston’s business and residential communities. I’m honored to have been asked to participate in this important conversation,” said Boston City Councilor Michael Ross.
The meeting space is accessible to people with disabilities. MBTA will provide reasonable accommodations and/or language assistance free of charge upon request (including but not limited to interpreters in American Sign Language and languages other than English, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats, such as audio tapes, Braille and large print), as available. For any of these accommodation or language assistance, please contact Trish Foley at 857-368-8907 or by email (trish.foley@state.ma.us). Requests should be made no later than January 14th, prior to the meeting.