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<blockquote >
<blockquote>'''''For the third time in ten years, the MBTA is offering its riders a choice between draconian service cuts and draconian fare increases in an effort to close a budget gap caused by legacy debt...We will not let our government balance its books on the backs of working people any longer... Debt relief for the MBTA can close the budget gaps without asking the poorest among us to carry a heavier burden and is good for T riders, T workers, T management--good for the entire 99%!''''' - ''from a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xssJ1y0Gedlt-gOGqSygGoFfld0oDOHcendgJaOor5U/edit?hl=en_US draft statement] we are working on''</blockquote>
'''<i>For the third time in ten years, the MBTA is offering its riders a choice between draconian service cuts and draconian fare increases in an effort to close a budget gap caused by legacy debt...We will not let our government balance its books on the backs of working people any longer... Debt relief for the MBTA can close the budget gaps without asking the poorest among us to carry a heavier burden and is good for T riders, T workers, T management--good for the entire 99%!'''</i> - ''from a [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xssJ1y0Gedlt-gOGqSygGoFfld0oDOHcendgJaOor5U/edit?hl=en_US draft statement] we are working on''
= Fight fare hikes and service cuts =
</blockquote>


=Fight fare hikes and service cuts=
=== Planning Meetings<br/> ===
==Actions==
Action planned for Wednesday January 25, from 4:30-6:30 in South Station.


===Activities===
Occupy the MBTA meets at 6pm Fridays at SEIU 615, 26 West St. Boston, and at 5 on Sundays at the Occupy Boston 'Strategic Action Assembly', 5 pm at community Church on Sundays
A couple of people are playing with a remix of [[Charlie and the MTA]]. Tim would bring instruments but not unless he had actually practiced with some fellow occupiers.
 
*[[OccupyMBTA Planning, Jan 29th 2012]]
*[[Planning Meeting, Feb 17th, 2012]]
 
== Actions<br/> ==
 
=== Upcoming<br/> ===
 
==== February 25th - Rally<br/> ====
 
*organized by John Murphy, Occupy the MBTA, OccupySomerville
*facebook event page: [http://www.facebook.com/events/155333684580789/ http://www.facebook.com/events/155333684580789/]
 
==== March 7th: [http://occupysomervillema.org Occupy Somervile] Teach-In: MBTA and the Big Banks<br/>====
 
7PM at SEIU Local 888, 52 Roland Street in Charlestown (near Sullivan Sq)<br/>Jeremy Thomspon will share the results of his research into the role big banks have played in the MBTA's financial woes. Followed by discussion and action planning.
 
==== March 14th - Lunch hour Flash Mob at Transportation building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston<br/> ====
 
*[[Mass GA Call to Action - March 14th & April 4th]]
 
==== April 4th - 'Wisconsin Style' People's Hearing and MBT(GA) at the State House<br/> ====
 
*details forthcoming
 
=== Past<br/> ===
 
==== February 13 - Convergence and Rally @ Boston Public Library<br/> ====
 
Occupy the T: Free Charlie [http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/1/1d/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf pdf], but including some info specific to the Feb. 13 action.
 
=== Ongoing<br/> ===
 
==== Canvassing - (printable flyers below)<br/> ====
 
Here are some dates for handing out fliers. If you would like to organize a flyering action, put the info below and email the list: occupymbta@lists.occupyboston.org
 
-Every Wednesday (5pm-7pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station. contact: Joe Ramsey (jgramsey@gmail.com)
 
Sunday, January 29th (11am-1pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station] contact: Jamie Rinaldi (jamie.rinaldi@gmail.com)
 
== MBTA Public Hearings ==
 
{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''January 31''','''&nbsp;'''Tuesday</strike><br/>
| <strike>Boston (Mattapan)&nbsp;</strike><br/>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;</strike><br/>
| <strike>Mildred Avenue Community Center<br/>5 Mildred Avenue</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 1''','''&nbsp;'''Wednesday</strike>
| <strike>Jamaica Plain</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>Hennigan Community Center, Cafeteria<br/>200 Heath Street&nbsp;</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 2''', Thursday</strike>
| <strike>Boston (Dorchester)</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>1:00-3:00 PM and<br/>6:00-8:00 PM</strike>
| <strike>Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, Multi-Purpose Room<br/>1353 Dorchester Avenue</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 6''', Monday</strike>
| <strike>Lowell</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>5:00-7:00 PM</strike>
| <strike>City Hall Council Chambers<br/>375 Merrimack Street</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 7''','''&nbsp;'''Tuesday</strike>
| <strike>Lynn</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>City Hall Auditorium, Main Floor<br/>3 City Hall Square</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 8''','''&nbsp;'''Wednesday</strike>
| <strike>Boston (West End)</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>4:30-6:30 PM</strike>
| <strike>Shriners Hospital Auditorium<br/>51 Blossom Street</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 8''','''&nbsp;'''Wednesday</strike>
| <strike>Hingham</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>Town Hall Sanborn Auditorium<br/>210 Central Street</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 13''','''&nbsp;'''Monday</strike>
| <strike>Boston (South Station area)</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;</strike>
| id="aeaoofnhgocdbnbeljkmbjdmhbcokfdb-mousedown" | <strike>Boston Public Library Boston<br/>Rabb Lecture Hall<br/>700 Boylston Street&nbsp;</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 14''', Tuesday&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>Framingham&nbsp;</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>Town Hall<br/>150 Concord Street&nbsp;</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 15''','''&nbsp;'''Wednesday</strike>
| <strike>Quincy</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM</strike>
| <strike>Thomas Crane Public Library Community Room<br/>40 Washington Street</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | <strike>'''February 16''', Thursday&nbsp;</strike>
| <strike>Malden&nbsp;</strike>
| nowrap="true" | <strike>6:00-8:00 PM</strike>
| <strike>City Council Chambers<br/>200 Pleasant Street&nbsp;</strike>
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 27''', Monday
| Winthrop
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| Winthrop DeLeo Senior Center<br/>35 Harvard Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 28''','''&nbsp;'''Tuesday
| Somerville&nbsp;
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM
| High School Auditorium<br/>81 Highland Avenue
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''February 29''','''&nbsp;'''Wednesday&nbsp;
| Cambridge&nbsp;
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;
| Citywide Senior Center<br/>806 Massachusetts Avenue&nbsp;
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 1''','''&nbsp;'''Thursday&nbsp;&nbsp;
| Waltham&nbsp;
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM&nbsp;
| Government Center Auditorium<br/>119 School Street&nbsp;
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 5''', Monday
| Haverhill
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM<br/>
| 90 Washington Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 6''', Tuesday
| Brockton
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM <br/>
| Massasoit Community College, Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Hall LA 560<br/>1 Massasoit Boulevard
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 6''', Tuesday
| Revere
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM<br/>
| Paul Revere School<br/>395 Revere Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 7''', Wednesday
| Fitchburg
| nowrap="true" | 6:00-8:00 PM<br/>
| Public Library Auditorium<br/>610 Main Street
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 7''', Wednesday
| Hull
| nowrap="true" | 7:00-9:00 PM <br/>
| Memorial Middle School<br/>81 Central Avenue
|-
| nowrap="true" | '''March 12''', Monday
| Brighton
| nowrap="true" | 5:30-7:30 PM <br/>
| Veronica B. Smith Senior Center<br/>20 Chestnut Hill Avenue<br/>
|}
 
== Activities<br/> ==
 
=== Charlie on the MTA remix: Bechtel and the MBTA<br/> ===
 
A couple of people are playing with a remix of [[Charlie and the MTA]].


{{:Charlie and the MTA}}
{{:Charlie and the MTA}}


==Graphics==
=== Graphics<br/> ===
 
[[File:Affordability BUTTON.jpg|thumb|left|Affordability BUTTON.jpg]]
 
[[File:No hikes BUTTON.jpg|thumb|No hikes BUTTON.jpg]]


[[File:Affordability_BUTTON.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:See something BUTTON.jpg|thumb|left|See something BUTTON.jpg]]


[[File:No hikes BUTTON.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:WTF red fare BUTTON.JPG|thumb|WTF red fare BUTTON.JPG]]


[[File:See something BUTTON.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:FreeCharlie.jpg|thumb|FreeCharlie.jpg]]


==Petition==
[[File:Occupy the T Logo little copy.jpg]]
Link to document in process: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B0AfclbB9k7dgKLjqZP0rIZ5m2kN8wje1RJLIgmQZAs/edit?hl=en_US draft]  
 
=== Petition ===
 
Link to document in process: [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B0AfclbB9k7dgKLjqZP0rIZ5m2kN8wje1RJLIgmQZAs/edit?hl=en_US draft]
 
=== Pamphlets and More ===
 
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/1/1d/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf]


==Pamphlets==
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/2/25/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf]
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/2/25/Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf]


Line 32: Line 194:
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/d/df/OccupyTFlyer1.pdf OccupyTFlyer1.pdf]
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/d/df/OccupyTFlyer1.pdf OccupyTFlyer1.pdf]


==Maillist==
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/6/6c/MBTA_rally_double-sided_quarters.pdf MBTA_rally_double-sided_quarters.pdf] - rally flyer with list of hearings on back
A lot of stuff gets emailed to this list. If you like finding your information in endless emails join [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/occupymbta here]. (Hey list boss, please make the [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/private/occupymbta/ archives] open (not password protected))
 
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/2/24/MBTA_Passenger_Advisory.pdf MBTA_Passenger_Advisory.pdf] - MBTA-style poster with hearings listed
 
[http://wiki.occupyboston.org/images/c/c5/Charlie_mask.pdf Charlie_mask.pdf] - print out your own mask of MBTA's iconic humanoid!
 
=== For Designers ===
 
MBTA ad templates are<br/>Banner: 18" high by 28" wide<br/>Poster: 22" high by 15" wide<br/>Here are some [http://www.bostonveg.org/campaigns/index.html examples].
 
== Maillist ==
 
A lot of stuff gets emailed to this list. You can join [https://lists.mayfirst.org/mailman/listinfo/occupymbta here], or view the archives [https://lists.mayfirst.org/pipermail/occupymbta/ here].
 
== Links and Bibliography<br/> ==
 
*[http://studentsagainsttcuts.org/ http://studentsagainsttcuts.org/]
*[http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/?id=23567 MBTA Page on Fare Changes]
*[http://mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Fare_Proposals_2012/MC12149%20Fare%20Increase%20Booklet_v7.pdf MBTA Fare Change Information Booklet]
*[http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/financials/?id=3482 MBTA Financials]
*[http://transitontheline.wordpress.com/ Transit on the Line]
*[http://www.ace-ej.org/tru T Riders Union]
 
==== [http://www.mass.gov/sao/Press%20Releases/2008/mbtadebtpr08.pdf State Auditor on MBTA Losses via Credit Default Swaps (2008)] ====
 
'''State Auditor Joe DeNucci reported [in 2008] that an investment practice intended to help save money actually resulted in a $55 million increase in borrowing interest costs to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)...During the five-year period reviewed by DeNucci’s office, the MBTA entered into 12 interest rate swap agreements with various investment banks totaling $1.632 billion. As a result of these swaps, the MBTA received nearly $31.5 million in interest and premiums. However, the MBTA made payments totaling more than $86.8 million for interest costs and termination fees during the same period, resulting in a net loss to the T of $55.3 million. “These rate swaps were highly speculative, risky and complex, and have proved costly to the riders who are paying increased fares and the taxpayers who subsidize the MBTA,” said DeNucci.''' - from State Auditor [http://www.mass.gov/sao/Press%20Releases/2008/mbtadebtpr08.pdf press release] January 29, 2008
 
 
 
February 19, 2012 - Boston Globe


= <font><font style="font-weight:normal" size="2">[http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/19/top_official_favors_fare_hike_over_service_cut/ http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/19/top_official_favors_fare_hike_over_service_cut/]</font></font><br/> =


<br/><br/>


[[Category:Working groups|Occupy the T]]
[[Category:Working groups]] <br/>

Latest revision as of 18:03, 9 March 2012

For the third time in ten years, the MBTA is offering its riders a choice between draconian service cuts and draconian fare increases in an effort to close a budget gap caused by legacy debt...We will not let our government balance its books on the backs of working people any longer... Debt relief for the MBTA can close the budget gaps without asking the poorest among us to carry a heavier burden and is good for T riders, T workers, T management--good for the entire 99%! - from a draft statement we are working on

Fight fare hikes and service cuts

Planning Meetings

Occupy the MBTA meets at 6pm Fridays at SEIU 615, 26 West St. Boston, and at 5 on Sundays at the Occupy Boston 'Strategic Action Assembly', 5 pm at community Church on Sundays

Actions

Upcoming

February 25th - Rally

March 7th: Occupy Somervile Teach-In: MBTA and the Big Banks

7PM at SEIU Local 888, 52 Roland Street in Charlestown (near Sullivan Sq)
Jeremy Thomspon will share the results of his research into the role big banks have played in the MBTA's financial woes. Followed by discussion and action planning.

March 14th - Lunch hour Flash Mob at Transportation building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston

April 4th - 'Wisconsin Style' People's Hearing and MBT(GA) at the State House

  • details forthcoming

Past

February 13 - Convergence and Rally @ Boston Public Library

Occupy the T: Free Charlie pdf, but including some info specific to the Feb. 13 action.

Ongoing

Canvassing - (printable flyers below)

Here are some dates for handing out fliers. If you would like to organize a flyering action, put the info below and email the list: occupymbta@lists.occupyboston.org

-Every Wednesday (5pm-7pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station. contact: Joe Ramsey (jgramsey@gmail.com)

Sunday, January 29th (11am-1pm): Meet at Davis Square [near the Somerville Theater / Davis MBTA station] contact: Jamie Rinaldi (jamie.rinaldi@gmail.com)

MBTA Public Hearings

January 31, Tuesday
 Boston (Mattapan) 
 6:00-8:00 PM 
 Mildred Avenue Community Center
5 Mildred Avenue
February 1, Wednesday Jamaica Plain 6:00-8:00 PM   Hennigan Community Center, Cafeteria
200 Heath Street 
February 2, Thursday Boston (Dorchester) 1:00-3:00 PM and
6:00-8:00 PM 		Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, Multi-Purpose Room
1353 Dorchester Avenue
February 6, Monday Lowell 5:00-7:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers
375 Merrimack Street
February 7, Tuesday Lynn 6:00-8:00 PM   City Hall Auditorium, Main Floor
3 City Hall Square
February 8, Wednesday Boston (West End) 4:30-6:30 PM Shriners Hospital Auditorium
51 Blossom Street
February 8, Wednesday Hingham 6:00-8:00 PM   Town Hall Sanborn Auditorium
210 Central Street
February 13, Monday Boston (South Station area) 6:00-8:00 PM  Boston Public Library Boston
Rabb Lecture Hall
700 Boylston Street 
February 14, Tuesday  Framingham  6:00-8:00 PM   Town Hall
150 Concord Street 
February 15, Wednesday Quincy 6:00-8:00 PM Thomas Crane Public Library Community Room
40 Washington Street
February 16, Thursday  Malden  6:00-8:00 PM City Council Chambers
200 Pleasant Street 
February 27, Monday Winthrop 6:00-8:00 PM Winthrop DeLeo Senior Center
35 Harvard Street
February 28, Tuesday Somerville  6:00-8:00 PM High School Auditorium
81 Highland Avenue
February 29, Wednesday  Cambridge  6:00-8:00 PM  Citywide Senior Center
806 Massachusetts Avenue 
March 1, Thursday   Waltham  6:00-8:00 PM  Government Center Auditorium
119 School Street 
March 5, Monday Haverhill 6:00-8:00 PM
 90 Washington Street
March 6, Tuesday Brockton 6:00-8:00 PM
Massasoit Community College, Liberal Arts Building, Lecture Hall LA 560
1 Massasoit Boulevard
March 6, Tuesday Revere 6:00-8:00 PM
 Paul Revere School
395 Revere Street
March 7, Wednesday Fitchburg 6:00-8:00 PM
 Public Library Auditorium
610 Main Street
March 7, Wednesday Hull 7:00-9:00 PM
Memorial Middle School
81 Central Avenue
March 12, Monday Brighton 5:30-7:30 PM
Veronica B. Smith Senior Center
20 Chestnut Hill Avenue

Activities

Charlie on the MTA remix: Bechtel and the MBTA

A couple of people are playing with a remix of Charlie and the MTA.

Bechtel and the MBTA

intro: "These are the times that try men's souls. In the course of our nation's history, the people of Boston have rallied bravely whenever the rights of men have been threatened. Today, a new crisis has arisen. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, better known as the M.B.T.A., is attempting to levy a burdensome tax on the 99% in the form of a subway fare increase. Through service cuts, they threaten to keep our families from going to work and our children from going to school. Citizens, hear us out! This could happen to you!" 

       G
Let me tell you the story
     C 
Of a man named Charlie
     G  		D
On a tragic and fateful day
           G
He put his card in his pocket,
           C
Kissed his wife and family
        G           D G
Went to ride on the MTA

Charlie swiped his card
At the Kendall Square Station
And he changed for Jamaica Plain
When he got there they said,
"There's been a fare hike."
and he could not get off that train.


Chorus 1:
           G
    Did he ever return,
          C
    No he never returned
            G               D
    And his fate is still unlearn'd
           G
    He may ride forever
               C
    'neath the streets of Boston
             G       D           G
    He's the man who never returned.


Now all night long
Charlie rides through the tunnels
Saying, "What will become of me?
Crying
How can I afford to see
My sister in Chelsea
Or my cousin in Roxbury?" 

    Chorus 1:

[Instrumental]

Now I'll tell you a story
about the Big Dig Tunnel
And the tragic and fateful way
How a crooked highway project
Came to rob every family
Who rides on the MBTA

It was money motivation
No one watched the corporations
The costs grew day by day
In the state house they had meetings
With the banksters they were scheming
How to get rich 'n have their way

Chorus 2:
    The people got burned
    The banks stole what we earned
    But we won't let 'em steal the T!
    We will ride forever 
    'neath the streets of Boston
    Public trains, they oughta be free.

Bechtel did the job
While the poor working slob
Paid for all their mistakes
The highway its leaking
The people be freakin
Since they billed the MBTA

    Chorus 2:

Enough is enough
The people are saying
Don't you take the busses away
Your games aint a-working
And we aint a-takin
No more cuts to the MBTA

    Chorus:

Now you citizens of Boston
Don't you think its a scandal
That people have to pay and pay
While the banks get bailed out 
The riders get sold out
No more cuts to the MBTA


Back to OccupyMBTA


Graphics

Affordability BUTTON.jpg
No hikes BUTTON.jpg
See something BUTTON.jpg
WTF red fare BUTTON.JPG
FreeCharlie.jpg

Petition

Link to document in process: draft

Pamphlets and More

Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page_Feb_13.pdf

Occupy_the_T_and_Free_Charlie_one_page.pdf

OccupyT_Portuguese.pdf

OccupyTFlyer_Quarter_Sheet.pdf

OccupyTFlyer1.pdf

MBTA_rally_double-sided_quarters.pdf - rally flyer with list of hearings on back

MBTA_Passenger_Advisory.pdf - MBTA-style poster with hearings listed

Charlie_mask.pdf - print out your own mask of MBTA's iconic humanoid!

For Designers

MBTA ad templates are
Banner: 18" high by 28" wide
Poster: 22" high by 15" wide
Here are some examples.

Maillist

A lot of stuff gets emailed to this list. You can join here, or view the archives here.

Links and Bibliography

State Auditor on MBTA Losses via Credit Default Swaps (2008)

State Auditor Joe DeNucci reported [in 2008] that an investment practice intended to help save money actually resulted in a $55 million increase in borrowing interest costs to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)...During the five-year period reviewed by DeNucci’s office, the MBTA entered into 12 interest rate swap agreements with various investment banks totaling $1.632 billion. As a result of these swaps, the MBTA received nearly $31.5 million in interest and premiums. However, the MBTA made payments totaling more than $86.8 million for interest costs and termination fees during the same period, resulting in a net loss to the T of $55.3 million. “These rate swaps were highly speculative, risky and complex, and have proved costly to the riders who are paying increased fares and the taxpayers who subsidize the MBTA,” said DeNucci. - from State Auditor press release January 29, 2008


February 19, 2012 - Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/02/19/top_official_favors_fare_hike_over_service_cut/




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