MBTA protesters call for low-income fare

With such chants as “What do we want? Fair fares!” and signs that read “Fares Going Up, Service Going Down,” dozens of supporters of a low-income T fare protested outside the Department of Transportation Monday.

Community Labor United and the Green Justice Coalition, two advocacy groups, called on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to create a low-income fare similar to the youth pass, which costs $30 per month for middle- and high school students who attend participating schools.

The organizers’ proposed low-income fare would apply to those who are registered in a public benefit program and include people who are at 300 percent of the federal poverty line or below, which organizers said equates to about $64,000 in annual income for a family of three.

Additionally, the proposal would automatically enroll “trusted community groups and job programs” that have members who are paid lower salaries, such as BEST Hospitality Training and other pre-apprenticeship programs.

Nicole Rodriguez, a senior researcher for Community Labor United, said public transit is a “lifeline” for low-income people.

Read the full article on the Boston Globe website.