If you see hoards of commuters wearing red tomorrow while riding the MBTA, it isn’t a strange coincidence. It’s part of a national statement to save public transportation funding.
Local pro-transit groups will take part in the “Don’t X Out Public Transportation Rally” right here in the Hub holding a public information session at the Park Street T stop.
Combined efforts of Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, the T Riders Union, On the Move Coalition and Transportation for America will send a bright-red message to Congress and the state legislature that future funding cuts to Massachusetts transportation “are unacceptable,” according to Transportation for America organizer John Walkey.
“There is still a battle, because there are still chances for funds to get cut,” Walkey said, adding a cut of more than one third in federal funding could slash Massachusetts transit operations by as much as 30 percent when a six-month extension to the current bill expires.
“We need to drum up peoples’ attention and let them understand these cuts could have an impact on their lives,” he said.
The MBTA is already facing a $160 million deficit next fiscal year, according to officials.
Follow Steve Annear on Twitter @steveannear.
