With MBTA Going Off Track In His District, Lewis Seeks Guardrails

MELROSE, MA — Many elected officials have been vocal in pushing back against the proposed MBTA cuts. Sen. Jason Lewis is among those putting action to his words.

The Winchester Democrat filed a budget amendment that looks to mitigate and even reverse some of the proposed gutting. A version of his amendment is now tucked into the Senate's fiscal 2021 budget.

"I'm very concerned about the cuts that the MBTA is proposing and I strongly oppose them," Lewis told Patch in a phone interview Friday.

The senator's district stands to be hit hard by the cuts, particularly in Melrose where two bus lines and a commuter station are on the chopping block.

His amendment aims to do three things: 1.) Require the MBTA to use any additional state or federal dollars it receives to protect against or restore the cuts; 2.) Keep the MBTA from any service changes that "unduly impact ridership;" and 3.) Force the MBTA to hold public hearings in communities where it would propose to eliminate service.

An earlier version of the amendment also would have funneled an extra $308 million to the MBTA to help mitigate cuts. The proposed budget instead provides about $40 million on top of the usual $127 million the MBTA receives.

"These cuts are ill-considered," Lewis said. "I believe they go way too far, and that they're premature."

The reasons he think they're premature is because he says there's still time for the MBTA to possibly get funding. The transit agency does not face a budget deficit this fiscal year, but rather the 2022 fiscal year, and the legislature hasn't even wrapped up the 2021 budget.

Lewis also believes President-elect Biden's administration could push along another stimulus package that includes relief for public transportation.

Related

• Bus Cuts Could Leave Melrose's METCO Students Behind
• Melrose Residents, Businesses Lament Proposed MBTA Cuts
• 'This Isn't A Hopeless Fight': Residents Urged To Fight Back On Cuts

It's not just commuters — many of which are low-income essential workers, Lewis said — who will suffer. Local economies rely heavily on public transportation.

"The local development strategy is really built around transit-oriented development," he said.

It's also a step back in the fight against climate change, putting more cars on the road at a time when communities are working to meet environmental goals.

The housing market could also take a hit. Many of Lewis's constituents have made real estate decisions based on their proximity to public transportation.

"There are a lot of ripple effects," he said.

Lewis and Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian penned a strongly worded letter to the MBTA, saying the cuts "will inflict major, disproportionate harm on Melrose."

As such, Lewis and his fellow local politicians have been hearing about residents' opposition. Constituents have flooded their city and state representatives with concerns.

Officials are now calling on residents to speak up, rallying the public to get in touch with the MBTA.

"We're trying to use every tool in our toolbox," Lewis said.

Residents can also fill out a feedback form or email publicengagement@mbta.com. There will be a public hearing about the impacts in and around Melrose Dec 1.

You can reach Mike Carraggi at mike.carraggi@patch.com and follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news alerts and newsletters.