Important Hearing to increase fines for parking in bus stops

Posted by John Kelly

It is really great that more and more MBTA buses are becoming wheelchair accessible. But for people to get where they are going, they have to be able to get off the bus at the curb! The problem is that automobiles frequently block part of a bus stop, such that the bus cannot pull over to the curb. This makes it really difficult or impossible for a wheelchair user to get off the bus safely.

To address this problem, City councilor Felix Arroyo has proposed an ordinance to increase the fine for parking in city bus stops. The hearing will be held at the City Council's Ianella Chamber (fifth floor) on Tuesday October 30th at 10:30 AM.

It is crucial that people with disabilities come testify about the problems they have encountered trying to get on and off buses.

In Councilor Arroyo's latest newsletter, Chief of Staff Jamie Willmuth writes:

Full access to public transportation is essential to many people - especially the elderly and those with disabilities - and is fundamental to their ability to enjoy social and economic opportunities, live independently, and participate fully in their communities. The lack of a substantial fine for parking in the City's designated bus stops - currently $55 - results in frequent violations by personal cars, commercial vehicles and even City and State official vehicles each of which limit access to public transportation. Particular concerns include the ability of buses to utilize new technology designed to deliver disabled residents directly to the curb and sidewalk at designated bus stops. It's our hope that the October hearing will highlight these issues and will illustrate the need for passage of Councilor Arroyo's proposal to increase both the fines for and enforcement of parking in designated bus stops.

The hearing is Docket #1050, "An Ordinance Regarding Parking In Bus Stops," and will be taken up by the.Committee on Government Operations, chaired by Councilor Rob Consalvo.