Tell the T: Stop Targeting Black and Brown Riders

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Tell the T: Stop Targeting Black and Brown Riders

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green

While Black and Brown folks make up just one-third of subway riders, MBTA police are issuing us two-thirds of fare violations. This isn’t OK, and it’s a reminder that we need to call for deeper change to get transit justice and transit equity.

Sign here and we’ll send your message to the MBTA and Transit Police leadership:

Sponsored by

Alternatives for Community and Environment

Boston, MA

To: MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak and Transit Police Chief Kenneth Green
From: [Your Name]

I was alarmed to read in the Globe that Transit Police are citing Black and Brown folks for a majority of fare evasions, while making up just one-third of ridership. Chief Green told the Globe he wasn’t “overly concerned,” but I am. This underlines the need for the T to make further changes, which I will be advocating for: reduce the ridiculous fines for fare evasion, stop arresting folks during these encounters, and offer discounts for low-income riders or remove fees altogether.

You don’t have to look far to see cases where MBTA police were aggressive or unfair to Black and Brown riders, like the case in June at Forest Hills. The MBTA police should focus on its actual job, not on fare violations.

Thank you.