This past April, the settlement agreement between the MBTA and the Boston Center for Independent Living expired. Judge Patrick King, the independent monitor who oversaw the settlement, has since issued a set of recommendations for a model advisory group that would allow for continued public input on accessibility improvements on the MBTA system, and make it easier for more MBTA customers to get involved, share feedback, and learn about new projects.
Beginning in January, an ad hoc committee will be tasked with developing the structure of this new group. Once the new group is established, the MBTA will withdraw from the current Memorandum of Understanding with AACT and enter into a formal partnership with this enhanced committee.
This is an opportunity to build on the significant progress and trust established between AACT and the MBTA over the years. AACT members and MBTA customers who would like to help shape the committee should contact Jessica Podesva, Legal Fellow, at 617-603-1664 or jpodesva@gbls.org, for information on how to be involved.
The next AACT meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at 1:00 PM.