To the editor:
The MBTA officials announced their decisions to raise fares 29 percent while continuing Cape Ann services, but curtailing some ferry, bus and commuter routes.
This is after holding more than 30 public hearings and receiving numerous letters, emails and phone calls from citizens and public officials offering other suggestions.
After all of this stress and concern by citizens, the MBTA then informs us its decisions are only for one year. We'll again go through this futile process down the road.
What do I think really took place? The MBTA officials already had their minds made up. They fooled us into believing they would consider the public's perspectives, yet all along would disregard them. They wring their hands, lament, and then significantly increase fares as their prime solution.
The net effects of excessive fare increases will further reduce ridership, forcing more commuters to drive, expending fuel and producing more pollution. Perhaps these officials need to rethink their approach:
If they reduce fares they will promote increased ridership. If there are no charges to park at the train stations, they will encourage the public to park there and use mass transportation. And if they will offer safe, comfortable, clean trains and buses at reasonable rates, more citizens will use them.
When will these officials recognize efficient public transportation is a vital right for the citizenry?
Perhaps they need to resign and be replaced by more creative and sensitive ones seeking innovative, sound long-term solutions well beyond repeatedly raising fares for people to get to and from work and their other responsibilities.
JOSEPH N. MUZIO
Normanstone Drive, Rockport
