Lawmakers Take The Train For 'Gov On The T' Day
BOSTON (CBS) -- Thursday was "Gov on the T" day, a chance for state lawmakers to get a first-hand look at the transit system that has been a constant source of frustration for riders this winter.
For one of the 47 officials who participated, it was her first time ever taking the commuter rail into work.
"I've never actually, I hate to admit it, been on the commuter rail to Boston," said Rep. Kay Khan, D-Newton.
Khan, who said she usually drives into work so she can more easily get to different functions in her district, got to experience the MBTA's problems for herself on a packed train.
"It was bumper to bumper, there was no place to go," she said. "Nobody checking to see if you paid your ticket."
About two-thirds of commuter rail trains were delayed or canceled in February during the extreme snow and cold. Commuter rail operator Keolis said it plans to add 63 more trains by Monday, and fully restore service by the end of the month.
Rep. Tom McGee, D-Lynn, is chairman of the transportation committee and rode the Blue Line on Thursday.
"If this winter has taught us anything, it's that transportation has got to be a package deal and we've got to do something now," he said. "If you don't have a transportation system you can depend on, you can't get to work, you can't live your life."
How to pay for an upgraded MBTA is the big question. One rider named Nancy told WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that she'd be open to revenue-raising proposals like fare hikes.
"Sure, of course," she said. "I mean, where's the money going to come from?"
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports:
