This Week’s Poll

Should Rhode Island offer to pay the MBTA more than it already does to keep rail service to the Ocean State at current levels?

Posted 3/11/12

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is looking to manage a deficit of $161 million in its fiscal 2013 budget by cutting back on its service to Rhode Island while increasing fares.

Unfortunately for the Ocean State, commuter rail service is a key component of the state’s economic development plans, as well as an important recruiting tool for many companies here.

Rhode Island already transfers some of its federal transportation funding to the MBTA for various projects. Should the state invest more in the agency’s operations to make sure that rail service is not trimmed (if not increased)?

2 comments on this story | Add your comment
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Anita

I'm not sure why MBTA commuters (or anyone else who doesn't drive on 128 or 93 into Boston) should have to pay for the boondoggle that was/is The Big Dig - but this train service is essential for Rhode Islanders who have the skills and ambition to venture across the state lines for better-paying jobs.

That said - there is ample parking across the line in So Attleboro and Attleboro (which has a nice coffee shop and restrooms!), and the Providence-Boston commuter BUS is actually a much more comfortable ride with a better schedule.

I think the MBTA could still cut dozens of "hack" jobs if there was the political will to do so.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | Report this
Anita

I'm not sure why MBTA commuters (or anyone else who doesn't drive on 128 or 93 into Boston) should have to pay for the boondoggle that was/is The Big Dig - but this train service is essential for Rhode Islanders who have the skills and ambition to venture across the state lines for better-paying jobs.

That said - there is ample parking across the line in So Attleboro and Attleboro (which has a nice coffee shop and restrooms!), and the Providence-Boston commuter BUS is actually a much more comfortable ride with a better schedule.

I think the MBTA could still cut dozens of "hack" jobs if there was the political will to do so.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | Report this
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