We still can’t breathe: the MBTA's Dirty Air Problem Black and Brown Communities

Steve Poftak, MBTA General Manager

Right now, the MBTA is purchasing more dirty diesel buses and making air quality in Black, Brown, and majority-immigrant neighborhoods even worse, while preserving clean air in majority-white areas. Even while the T says they’re planning for a future with clean electric buses and trains.

MBTA officials need to prioritize clean air in the Black, Brown, Asian, immigrant, and low-income neighborhoods suffering from poor air quality, and that means some major changes:

  • The Fairmount commuter rail line, which is a major diesel polluter in Dorchester and a transit lifeline as well for 25% of Boston’s population, should be put first in line to go electric. (It should also run more frequently!)

  • The T’s plan to replace fleets with “Enhanced Electric” buses rather than full-electric buses should be dropped because they concentrate diesel emissions in East Boston and other Environmental Justice communities. We should expand the use of wired-electric buses where available and electrify frontline neighborhoods first.

  • Restore more service during the pandemic so transit riders in Black, Brown, and low-income communities don’t have to ride dangerously crowded buses and trains, since more essential workers rely on transit and don’t have the option of working remotely.

To: Steve Poftak, MBTA General Manager
From: [Your Name]

Dear MBTA and State Officials,

I'm writing in solidarity with ACE because Black and Brown neighborhoods are tired of being at the end of the line, literally and figuratively, for the T. And right now, the MBTA's plans are making the air dirtier for some of the Bostonians who already suffer the worst air. That will cost lives and livelihoods.

As you address electrification, we're asking you to prioritize clean air in the neighborhoods suffering most from poor air quality. There are three changes we're requesting:

1. The Fairmount commuter rail line, which is a major diesel polluter in Dorchester and a transit lifeline as well for 25% of Boston’s population, should be put first in line to go electric. (It should also run more frequently!)

2. The T’s plan to replace fleets with “Enhanced Electric” buses rather than full-electric buses should be dropped because they concentrate diesel emissions in East Boston and other Environmental Justice communities. We should expand the use of wired-electric buses where available and electrify frontline neighborhoods first.

3. Restore more service during the pandemic so transit riders in Black, Brown, and low-income communities don’t have to ride dangerously crowded buses and trains, since more essential workers rely on transit and don’t have the option of working remotely.

Thank you.