BOSTON — Lynn legislators are lobbying state transit officials for a reprieve from commuter fare hikes set to go into effect on July 1, until 2021, when work is expected to be completed on the Tobin Bridge and Chelsea Curves section of Route 1.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has told motorists that lane closures and extended delays will impact northbound and southbound commuters on Route 1, according to a press release from the office of state Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn).
Legislators sent a letter to the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board, opposing the upcoming implementation date for the fare hikes as “inconvenient, imprudent and unfair” because it coincides with roadwork they say will result in increased commuting times for drivers and people commuting on MBTA buses, and higher costs, according to Cahill’s office.
“This is a perfect example of how commuters on the North Shore are treated as second-class citizens,” said Cahill in a statement. “I am angry that requests for even modest accommodations during these interruptions were rejected out of hand by MassDOT. I call on MassDOT to utilize available federal funding to offset the inconveniences of North Shore residents.”
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said in a statement “MassDOT officials need to realize these projects will negatively impact thousands of North Shore residents who not only pay tolls, but also have limited options for public transit to and from Boston compared to the South Shore and MetroWest.
“Without some mitigation for communities on the North Shore, rush hour will continue to be a steady state of gridlock for drivers in this main corridor to Boston.”
State Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn) said in a statement “MassDOT should see this as an ideal opportunity to re-institute ferry service from Lynn to Boston.
“After all, residents of the North Shore are facing record traffic congestion, commuter rail trains don’t even stop in Lynn because they are full, and MassDOT has proposed reduced bus service and increased fare hikes. North Shore commuters deserve much better, but as far as I can see, MassDOT could care less.”