MBTA Could Eliminate Suburban Bus Help for Dedham

Among the many to eliminate a budget deficit, Dedham would lose a $58,000 subsidy for its suburban bus line.

Currently operated by Joseph's Bus Service, Dedham is one of six towns that would lose its subsidy, if the MBTA approves one of the proposals.

"I find it difficult to understand why an attempt is being made to reduce public transportation programs when it makes better sense to encourage this mode of transportation as opposed to encouraging more commuter trips in personal vehicles," Town Administrator William Keegan said in an email. 

The MBTA has recommended raising commuter train rates by almost 50 percent and eliminating weekend service.

"These cuts would also places a significant burden on those riders who are on fixed incomes and who depend on public transportation programs to get to work and to meet their personal and medical needs," Keegan wrote.  

With having to fill a $58,000 hole, the suburban bus system, which services more areas of Dedham than the MBTA buses, most likely would go away.

"That's something that is unsustainable for us," Board of Selectmen chair Jim MacDonald said at Thursday's meeting.

Selectmen will pen a letter to the MBTA expressing disappointment with both proposals, MacDonald said.

On top of the local issue, we understand there are broader transportation issues," MacDonald said.

The MBTA is planning public hearings on the proposals, something Keegan said he appreciates.

"I am glad to see that there will be public hearings on these proposals," he wrote, "so that further evaluation can be done on how these potential cuts might affect residents and businesses in the region and to seek alternative solutions."