What’s most important on Tuesday, JUNE 6TH, is that you come prepared to go to the hearing at the Boston Public Library, a formal proceeding, where individuals can give their “personal impact statement” for the record. If you do come to the rally and/or go to the hearing, you may wish to prepare a short statement.

You will be asked to state your name, where you’re from, and which bus or train you use most often. Tell them whether or not you support the fare increase, and why or why not. Try to keep it concise and focused on the fare issue. You may wish to write a short statement and read it, so as not to get off-topic or forget anything you would like to mention. Use facts and numbers whenever you can.

I will mention that I feel the fare increase is excessive, that with the move to the OnePass the monthly cost to me will jump from $44 to $62. And while I understand the T would like to promote a view of the system as a whole, the buses do not run regularly or dependably enough along the routes I travel. It is very literally quicker for me to walk once I’ve gotten by train to Back Bay, where I work, than to take a bus. It is also much quicker for me, especially on weekends to ride my bike from Dorchester than to take the bus or the train.

But I also object to the surcharges or penalties that will come into play for those who use cash or the CharlieTicket instead of the CharlieCard, as outrageously excessive as well. Many cannot afford to pay for a monthly pass all at once. And I am concerned the T is not doing all it can to acclimate them to the new system. My concern is that the MBTA will not take adequate measures to provide information and education about the new fares and the new AFC system to people in more vulnerable populations, and that they will not provide adequate FVMs in the places where these people can use them easily and conveniently.

That’s really all I plan to say on the matter.

And this is about all I have to say before the rally, too. Hope to see you Tuesday, at 4PM in Copley Square (Dartmouth side–see MAP) and/or at 4:30PM in the Boston Public Library (700 Boylston St. entrance).

If you can’t make it Tuesday, check the MBTA website for other hearing dates, times and locations that might suit your schedule better. Some dates have been added.