Posts by Local589 Admin
The T is in trouble with a capital T
LOOKING AT the MBTA’s latest proposals to raise fares and severely cut service, I am reminded of the old joke about the complaining restaurant patron: “The food is terrible — and such small portions!’’ It’s an insult that fares must be raised, though the T’s $161 million deficit can’t be denied, and fares have held…
Read More“This Week in Business” Discusses MBTA Budget Woes
How should the MBTA pay its bills?
The MBTA, facing a $161 million budget deficit, recently announced it would use a combination of fare hikes and service cuts to deal with the problem. The transportation authority has presented two scenarios. One relies more on fare hikes, and the other relies more on service cuts.
Read MoreLetter: MBTA purchase isn’t helping Americans
After returning home from New Hampshire after canvassing Democrat Primary Voters for the United Auto Workers, I was confronted with the Jan. 11 front page story about rail cars built in Korea and purchased by our own MBTA (“What’s coming down the tracks”).
Read MoreLocal 589 Thanks Members for Volunteering to Assist at Fire Fighter Funerals
The Executive Board of the Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 would like to recognize and thank the following Bus Drivers for their volunteer service at the funerals for Worcester Fire Fighter Jon Davies and Peabody Fire Fighter James Rice.
Read MoreMBTA to Weigh Fare Hikes and Service Cuts
Friday, 30 Dec 2011 – Kyle Cheney – State House News Service BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) – State transportation officials will hold more than 20 meetings on proposals for MBTA fare hikes and service cuts, the Patrick administration disclosed Friday, offering the clearest insight yet on a process that T Chief
Read MoreMBTA ridership hits 1.3 million per weekday in November for third month in a row
12/30/2011 4:35 PM – By Amanda Cedrone, Globe Correspondent MBTA ridership averaged more than 1.3 million per weekday in November, the third straight month above 1.3 million, helping to make 2011 the T’s busiest year since 2008, officials said today. Ridership last month averaged 1.312 million on weekdays, said MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis
Read MoreOUR OPINION: Time to get serious about funding public transit
Editorial – Patriot Ledger – Dec 28, 2011 Here’s today quiz: In the next month, the MBTA will say: a) It is broke b) It needs more state money c) It has to raise fares
Read MoreBus Driver Volunteers Needed for Friday Funeral for Fallen Hero Peabody Fire Fighter James Rice
Volunteer Bus Drivers are needed for this Friday, December 30, 2011 for the funeral for Peabody Fire Fighter James Rice. Brother Rice was killed in the line of duty last week. A dozen Bus Drivers are needed. To volunteer call Local 589’s office at 617-542-8212. Join the Boston Carmen’s Union ATU Local 589 to honor…
Read MoreMattapan High Speed Line Trolley Driver Punched
By Amanda Cedrone – Boston Globe – Dec. 21, 2011 A trolley driver on the Mattapan High Speed Line was brought to the hospital Tuesday after he was hit in the face by a 17-year-old, officials said. Tyron Higgins of Roxbury was taken into custody by MBTA Transit Police Tuesday afternoon for punching the driver…
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