Medford Rep. Carl Sciortino creates transit rider's advocate
Medford Transcript
Thu Apr 09, 2009
Medford -
To ensure that riders of public transportation have a voice within the state's new transportation authority, Medford state Rep. Carl Sciortino, vice-chairman of the Legislature's transportation committee, successfully passed an amendment to the transportation reform bill that creates a ridership advocate.
The advocate will be granted access to meetings and documents to ensure that the needs of public transit riders are being met.
"The riders of the T are the ones who know best what is working and what needs improvement," said Sciortino. "It's important that this new transportation authority have someone looking out for those who actually ride the trains and buses."
The House and the Senate have passed different versions of the reform bill. The two bills will go to a conference committee to iron out any differences.
"This is a great amendment that will ensure that riders have a voice at the table," said Eric Bourassa, a transportation policy analyst with the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. "I applaud Rep. Sciortino's efforts and advocacy on behalf of those who use public transportation."
Sciortino, currently serving his third term, has been a strong advocate for public transportation in the Legislature. He has previously worked to secure funding for the Green Line extension into Somerville and Medford and has filed legislation to improve the finances of the MBTA.