Medford Reps to Hold Public Meeting on MBTA Proposals

State politicians representing Medford will hold an informational meeting to discuss the MBTA's proposed solutions to its financial problems.

Representatives Paul Donato, Carl Sciortino, Sean Garballey and State Senator Patricia Jehlen will be on hand for the informational meeting on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Medford City Hall, according to a press release from Donato's office. The legislators will listen to input, concerns and suggestions from the public, the release said.

Following the MBTA's recent announcement that it would have to make significant sacrifices to service or drastically increase fares to make up for a projected $185 million shortfall in 2013, several local legislators called for the state to revisit the gas tax to address the MBTA's funding woes and the state's other transportation funding issues.

But Governor Deval Patrick no longer considers an increase to the state's gas tax as remedy to the state's transit funding troubles. In an appearance on WTKK radio last week, Patrick said the rapid shift to more fuel-efficient vehicles has changed his mind about the long-term impact increasing the gas tax would have on the state's coffers, according to an AP report.

Meanwhile, the MBTA has been holding public hearings around the state to hear from riders on the two proposals. The leglislative meeting Feb. 8 will not be one of these meetings. The MBTA will hold a hearing on the fare proposals Feb. 16 in Malden.