WEBSITE LAUNCHED FOR SOLUTIONS TO PROPOSED MBTA FARE HIKE.

In an effort to facilitate a dialog between the public and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regarding the much aggrieved suggested fare increase, a local man has launched an interactive website where commuters can propose alternative ideas. Recent MBTA public meetings have engendered such outrage among Bostonians that David Orr, an IT Project Manager and community leader, developed the "Help Fill The MBTA's Deficit Hole" website (http://ibert.org/mbta) as a loci for public discussion.

The MBTA is looking into a $5.2 billion financial hole, for the 2010 Fiscal Year, a depth that includes 190 million deficit dollars. Originally quoted as a 160 million dollar deficit six months ago, the legislature raised the sales tax in part to cover the deficit. However, in the few months it took to secure that tax, the MBTA's deficit increased by an additional 30 million. The MBTA has proposed a 19.5% average fare increase to cover the 30 million deficit dollars.

With an approximate daily ridership of 1.24 million passengers in the greater Boston area who rely heavily upon public transportation, the MBTA is facing some extremely angry citizens. The heated discussions during the two most recent hearings prompted the Governor to cancel the remaining meetings so that the MBTA can review the need for a fare hike before proceeding any further.

Orr hopes residents will step up with their own ideas for achieving solvency. His website provides an extensive layman's description of the MBTA's current deficit and the reasons the organization has found itself in this predicament. Orr then encourages the reader to offer specific alternative solutions to increasing revenue and reducing expenses. Current expense and income line items are explained and the ability to modify them provided.

"As citizens we must guide this process," said Orr. "I encourage citizens to take five minutes to find out the details and communicate with their elected officials. Silence means you give your power away and effectively agree with those who are speaking for you. The recent meetings have shown that to simply not be the case. The website is both informative and interactive. I'm hoping that it provides a catalyst for more transparency and action that will eventually benefit both the public and the MBTA respectively."

Orr will review the responses generated through the website and present them to the MBTA's Ridership Oversight Committee. In the event of an overwhelming response, he'll forward the ideas on to elected officials as well. The website will remain live until it is no longer politically relevant at which point, Orr hopes, the fare hike issue will have been reduced to a financially smoother ride and economically viable journey.

For more information, visit http://www.ibert.org/mbta or call 617/361-2046.

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