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Politics & Government

Letter: Dolan Says MBTA Proposals Would Have 'Severe Negative Impact'

Mayor Rob Dolan writes to the acting General Manager of the MBTA about the proposed commuter rail and bus service cuts.

Editor's note: The Mayor's Office provided a copy of this letter to Melrose Patch.

January 30, 2012

Jonathan R. Davis
Acting General Manager
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910
Boston, MA 02116

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Dear Mr. Davis,

I am respectfully writing to express my deep concern relative to the recent for the upcoming fiscal year.

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These proposed measures would have a severe negative impact for the City of Melrose. As Mayor of a city with three commuter rail stations and multiple bus routes, I see firsthand the important role public transportation plays into the daily lives of many of my residents and businesses.

Accessible and convenient MBTA services are part of what makes Melrose such a desirable place to work and live. Commuter rail service gives life to our vibrant small business nodes surrounding Cedar Park, Wyoming, and Highlands commuter rail stations. The 106 Bus transports dozes of students to and in what would otherwise be an hour's walk each way to school.

Having MBTA commuter rail and bus service also plays a key role in allowing Melrose properties to hold their respective values in the worst economy since the Great Depression. The ability for people to have easy access to Boston but live in the suburbs is one of the many great attributes Melrose currently can offer.

I completely understand that much like cities and towns across Massachusetts, difficult decisions must be made. However, I urge MBTA management to not cut commuter rail or bus services in the City of Melrose as I believe the cost to thousands of residents locally would outweigh any minor financial benefits.

Sincerely,
Robert J. Dolan
Mayor

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