Worcester Delegation Saves WRTA from Cuts

$6 Million to be Provided to Help Absolve Transit Authority Debt

 

Boston, MA Making good on a recent promise to address the Commonwealths under-funded regional transit authorities, the Worcester Legislative Delegation comprised of Senators Edward M. Augustus, Jr. and Harriette L. Chandler and State Representatives John J. Binienda, John P. Fresolo, James J. O'Day, Vincent A. Pedone and Robert P. Spellane announced today it has secured more than $6 million in a supplemental bill likely to be debated next week to help erase debt incurred this fiscal year by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority.

 

In a letter sent this past November to Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien, Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) Administrator Stephen O'Neil, and the WRTA Advisory Board, the legislators pushed for a postponement of service cuts so that they would be able to work towards a solution on the state level.

 

The delegation promised a coordinated three-step approach to helping the RTA close an operating deficit. First, legislators pledged to fight for forward funding of RTA operating budgets. They indicated they would work closely with legislative leaders, including Senator Steven Baddour and Representative Joseph Wagner, the chairs of the Joint Transportation Committee, whom they had already briefed about the WRTA's deficit, to enact legislation that provides a dedicated funding stream to facilitate a change in the current inadequate retroactive reimbursement system for funding RTA operating budgets to a forward funding scheme. They also pledged to work closely with the Patrick-Murray Administration to include a forward funding plan in its forthcoming transportation capital bond proposal, and to boost RTA operating funds through the regular annual budget process.

 

"Representing a district compiled mostly of elderly and working class residents, I understand public transportation is an essential service for many who commute to work, receive medical treatment, and value their independence. I am happy that as a result of this funding my colleagues and I have the opportunity to further improve the WRTA," said Representative Fresolo

 

Other reforms proposed include the use of a dedicated revenue stream to allow for forward funding of RTA', and legislation that would back RTA bonding authority with the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth to reduce interest rates on RTA borrowing.