Message from Medford T riders: Don't cut our lifeline

Matt Byrne photos

More than 200 people packed the Medford City Council Chamber last night after the MBTA proposed sweeping cuts to local bus and rail service.

By Matt Byrne, Town Correspondent

Hundreds of Medford residents turned out last night to deliver a message to state officials over the proposed MBTA fare hikes and service cuts.

"Love it or hate it, the T is my lifeline," said Audrey Stanwood of Mystic Street, articulating a similar message that scores delivered to state representatives Paul Donato, Sean Garballey, Carl Sciortino, and state Senator Patricia Jehlen.

The proposed service cuts and fare increases are to plug a roughly $160 million budget hole this year, part of the MBTA's ongoing effort to stabilize its finances.

"We also need to realize that the T is not alone," Sciortino told the crowd, who sat rapt. "Our whole system needs to be adequately funded."

Garballey, who cochairs the MBTA caucus with Jehlen, called the cuts draconian, and promised to deliver the public's comments to state transportation leaders as they hash out how -- and who -- will have to pay for the cuts.

Jehlen, meanwhile, stressed that the T's troubles are structural, and the agency, saddled with billions in debt, requires more than just budget cuts to even the keel.

"The T can't fix it. They can make adjustments, but they have a $165 million shortfall. The T can't do it by themselves," she said.

The meeting came after House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo yesterday rejected in his annual address Governor Deval Patrick's proposal to raise $260 million in new revenue by levying a new deposit for bottled water and taxing candy, soda, and cigarettes, the Globe reported today.

Still, the scope and potential impact of the cuts to bus service resounded with the audience.

John Falco, who said he is a regular rider of the 325 bus, lamented that his ride to work is effected if either plan is implemented.

"It's unfortunate that [the 325] is being cut in both scenarios," Falco said. "We're basically forcing people into their cars."

If enacted how they're written today, the cuts would also prompt labyrinthine and circuitous commutes.

"I'll have to go into Boston from Medford to get to Somerville," said Maryann Broxton, 42, of Exchange Avenue. "That's not progress."

John Falco, far right, was one of dozens who testified against the cuts. Listening to his plea are (from left) state legislators Patricia Jehlen, Sean Garballey, Carl Sciortino, and Paul Donato.