MassGOP Urges MBTA to Prioritize Internal Reform Over Resident Tax and Fee Increases

February, 27, 2024

 

On Sunday, Brian Kane, Executive Director of the MBTA Advisory Board, provided a frank assessment of the MBTA’s current situation. The agency is suggesting that the state consider implementing new sales and payroll taxes, increasing fees for vehicle transactions and driver’s licenses, imposing congestion charges, and introducing real estate transfer taxes.

 

MassGOP Chairwoman, Amy Carnevale, commented on the state of the T remarking, “Last week’s power failure, the most recent example of the T’s dysfunction, not only had a frustrating impact on thousands commuting to work, but it was compounded by MBTA leadership’s initial attempt to deflect responsibility and deny their involvement in the failure. Such dishonesty toward Massachusetts residents is utterly unacceptable. While the instinct of certain individuals within the MBTA may be to conceal their mistakes, it is troubling to see them simultaneously advocating for new taxes on Massachusetts residents to bolster their failing infrastructure.”

 

“The cost for the T to operate a bus per hour has surged by 50% compared to its 2018 expenses, despite a decrease in the number of rides being delivered. Before the MBTA initiates discussions on implementing a wide range of new taxes and fees, it is imperative that they address their internal mismanagement, financial failures, and lack of transparency with the people they serve,” Carnevale concluded.

 

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