(Boston Orange 邊億) 麻州參議員Lydia Edwards和眾議員Adrian Madaro 4月13日發言，支持低收入票價法案，該法案要求麻州地鐵 (MBTA) 實施低收入票價制度，並容許區域運輸局研究和實施類似計劃。
該法案將指導MBTA和衛生與人類服務廳廳長，以及多元化的利益相關者合作，從MBTA服務的社區中收集公眾意見，確定資格和驗證標準，並了解該計劃對乘客和運輸局的全面影響。根據這個社區進程，MBTA隨後將實施低收入票價計劃。該法案還允許全州的區域運輸局參與同樣的過程，以確定是否可以為其系統提供降價或免費票價系統。
麻州眾議員Adrian Madaro在本屆議會中，重新引入在麻州運輸系統中建立低收入票價計劃的法案。他將與參議員Lydia
Edwards合作，推動此案。他感謝麻州眾議會議長Ron Mariano，財政委員會主席麥家威 (Aaron
Michlewitz) 在眾議院版本預算中撥給經費，測試低收入票價計畫。
麻州參議員Lydia Edwards說，如果麻州地鐵不能正常運作，人們就無法工作，讓人們已可負擔價格使用公共交通工具，是經濟及環境正義議題。她感謝眾議員Adrian
Madaro，以及「公共交通是公益事業」聯盟為這理想所付出的努力，也感謝麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 為這計畫撥款500萬元。
司機及車掌 (Carmen)第539區工會的主席Jim Evers表示，他們支持這法案因為他們的工作是把乘客載到他們想要去的地方，而如果人們無力支付車費，他們就無法執行他們。
(BOSTON – 4/13/2023) Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Adrian Madaro spoke today in support of the Low-Income Fare legislation that would compel the MBTA to implement a low-income fare system and allows Regional Transit Authorities to study and implement similar programs.
The bill directs the MBTA and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with a diverse array of stakeholders to collect public input from communities served by the MBTA, determine eligibility and verification standards, and understand the full impact of the program on riders and the Transit Authority. Based on this community process the MBTA will then implement a low-income fare program. The bill also allows regional transit authorities across the state to engage in the same process and determine, if a reduced or no-cost fare system will work for their system.
“I’m proud to re-introduce my bill in the House to establish a low-income fare program across transit systems in Massachusetts. I look forward to partnering with Senator Edwards this session in order to advance this important cause. I’m grateful to Speaker Ron Mariano and Chair Aaron Michlewitz for funding means-tested fares in the House Ways and Means budget. Through this investment, the House recognizes that mobility is essential,” said Representative Adrian Madaro “One truth is clear, we don’t work unless the T works, unless we can access public transportation, and unless that transportation is affordable. This is economic and environmental justice. Workers deserve to be able to get to work in a decent amount of time, for a decent amount of money. A Low-income fare sets us up for success.” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-Boston). “I want to thank Representative Adrian Madaro and the Public Transit Public Good Coalition for their work and partnership, Gov. Healey for allocating $5 million for this program, and Senate Leadership for paving the way for this critical program” continued the Senator.
"We are proud to support legislation to set up a low-income fare because our job is getting riders where they need to be. We can't do that if people can't pay the fare. Passing this bill will make the whole MBTA system more equitable and accessible. That's a win for workers and a win for riders." Jim Evers, President, Carmen’s Union Local 539.
“The call for a low-income fare started in the very communities it will serve most — communities of color, working families, and paratransit (The RIDE) users. Today, a huge majority of people across Massachusetts support the program. It is high time to make it a reality. Low Income transit-reliant riders have waited long enough. This bill will achieve what we have been fighting for —more equitable, accessible and affordable transit in the Commonwealth,” Collique Williams, Senior Organizer, Public Transit Public Good coalition
"A low-income fare is important to seniors because many of us rely on The RIDE, the MBTA's paratransit service for people for whom buses and trains are not accessible. People like me who use The RIDE often have few or no other options for getting around, and we watch every penny to make ends meet. The RIDE is a lifeline, but it is also one of the most expensive MBTA services. I need a low-income fare so I can afford to take the trips I need to make and continue to live independently, “Kathy Paul, President, Massachusetts Senior Action Council
Monthly link passes cost up to $90, that’s over $1000 a year. This cost may seem small, but for people with low or fixed incomes it's less that can be spent on groceries, rent, and medicine. A MassINC poll showed support for a low-income fare is high – at 84 percent – across the Commonwealth.
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