State legislators and local officials gathered at the Hingham Shipyard to voice opposition to the MBTA’s plan to eliminate the Hingham/Hull ferry service, the 714 bus, and reduce Commuter Rail service.
Facing a $580 million dollar deficit, the MBTA is in the process of modifying transit schedules to adjust for low ridership due to COVID-19. The plans are until ridership returns, but local officials are worried that will not be the case.
State Representative Patrick Kearney, of Scituate, says the cuts impact education, healthcare, and countless jobs.
“I’m here today to call on the Governor, to call on the MBTA, because we’re angry on the South Shore. We’re disappointed,” said Kearney. “We want them to look at the long-term impact that all of these cuts are going to have because right now, their approach is so short-sighted. It is going to stifle the economic recovery when this pandemic is over.”
Kearney says the state has invested millions of dollars into economic development along transit systems. He says the riders include thousands of students taking the train to BC High School, doctors, and people developing a vaccine for the coronavirus.
Jennifer Constable, the Chair of the Hull Board of Selectmen, was concerned about the lack of a plan to re-instate services once they’re eliminated. She feels the town could be cut off from transit options.
“The proposed cuts to the ferry service, our 714 bus route – which services our most transit-critical population. It does not put us within a half-mile reach of a Commuter Rail service,” said Constable. “We implore the MBTA to take another look at what’s being proposed and figure out a way to at least maintain some of these services in the interim. We appreciate the impact that COVID has had on all of us, but the cuts proposed are not the answer right now.”
State Rep. Joan Meschino, of Hull, said the ferry and Greenbush lines are “lifelines” between Boston and the South Shore. For business, affordable housing, and access to the Boston Harbor islands, the services will be critical for economic recovery.
“If you are a ferry rider or if you value the ferry – please share your story with us on SaveTheFerry.org. They are collecting stories and really putting a face to who the riders are,” said Meschino. “It is so important right now to share why we value the ferry, what it means to our community, who’s riding the ferry. The T needs to know – we need to show them why we value it and how important it is to us to justify why we need to be keeping these services.”
Meschino said ridership is currently at 23% of pre-COVID levels. She said that riders are faithful and will return. Rather than cut the service, the discussion should be around expanding transit options.
According to the MBTA, the elimination of the ferry service would result in savings between $10-15 million.
Cohasset Select Board member Keri Thompson feels this is a short-term solution that will cause a long-term problem.
“We really want to hear from everyone in our communities because this is a huge deal,” said Thompson. “Once we lose it, we’re not going to get it back.”
Hingham Board of Selectmen member Joe Fisher said they’re disappointed with the MBTA’s actions. The Shipyard is centered around the ferry service.
“The MBTA is planning to cut or severely limit the transit lines between Boston and the South Shore. Those actions will adversely affect Hingham residents and Hingham businesses. It will hurt economic development throughout the South Shore,” said Fisher. “It will slow the state’s economic recovery from this pandemic. It sends a signal, the wrong signal that Massachusetts is no longer committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.”
The MBTA is holding a virtual meeting on November 23rd at 6 p.m. to gather feedback from South Shore residents.
Save the Greenbush-Save the Boat organized the Monday press conference.
