T Q+A with General Manager Dan Grabauskas

Dear Mr. Grabauskas,


When I ride the Blue Line, I frequently hear a loud speaker announcement saying people should give up their seats to the elderly and handicapped in the sections stated for that purpose, and that it is a Federal law. Why is it that I never hear this announcement on the Green Line, which I use every day, or on any of the buses? Thank you.
    Anthony P. Dorato


Dear Mr. Dorato,
Thank you for your question. Federal law requires that public transportation providers, including the MBTA, provide priority seating areas on all vehicles for seniors and customers with disabilities. Here at the MBTA, staff are trained to assist seniors and customers with disabilities to the priority seating upon request.  If the seats are occupied, staff will ask those seated if they would be willing to move. Staff are never permitted, however, to force customers out of the priority seating area as we recognize that many of our customers have hidden disabilities they choose not to disclose. The announcement you’ve been hearing on the Blue Line is intended to remind all of our customers about the presence of, and purpose for, priority seating. A very similar message is broadcast automatically on all of our buses and on the Silver Line. You are absolutely right, however, that no such message is announced on the Green Line. We are currently looking into the feasibility of adding the announcement on our new Green Line cars, along with our Red Line cars equipped with automated announcement equipment. Stay tuned in the coming months for the important change.