Proposed Title VI Policy Changes — Public Comment Period

Share Your Feedback

We're collecting public feedback to ensure that these policy updates are understood by riders and will benefit the communities we serve. Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the changes outlined below. Comments will be accepted during our public events, and by mail, email, and phone at 617-222-3030.

You can submit comments through Friday, April 14, 2023.

Mail feedback to:

• MBTA
• ATTN: Public Engagement Team
• 10 Park Plaza - Suite 3830
• Boston, MA 02116

You can find a copy of the draft documents below, including translated versions in Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Additional translations can be provided upon request.

Learn About the Proposed Changes

Disparate Impact and Disproportionate Burden Policy (DI/DB)

1. Renaming the document “Service and Fare Change Equity Policy” to more clearly state the policy’s purpose and enhance understanding.
2. Redefining “major service change” to account for network-wide effects and to clarify when service changes and disruptions do not require a service equity analysis.
3. Improving service equity analysis methodology so that we may consider more riders with low-income and have more reliable results.
4. Stating the circumstances that require a fare equity analysis and which fare changes are exempt.
5. Describing the public engagement and the Board approval process required for any major service change or fare change.

Learn more about the current DI/DB Policy

Public Engagement Plan (PEP)

1. Updating “Background on the MBTA” section with current information on the MBTA’s governing Board of Directors.
2. Clarifying guiding principles in the “Guiding Principles for Public Engagement” section, such as specifying “equity” in our engagement strategies to reach diverse members of the community.
3. Adding “Community Meetings” as a common type of engagement in the “Community Events and Engagement” section.
4. Expanding “Virtual Public Engagement” section with details on the MBTA’s increased use of virtual public engagement strategies following the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Expanding section on “Accessibility and Public Engagement" with updated information on accessible public meetings.
6. Adding clearer language for collecting and considering public comments prior to a fare increase (see section on “Public Engagement Regarding Fare Changes”) or major service reductions (see section on “Public Engagement Regarding Service Planning & Service Changes”).

Learn more about the current Public Engagement Plan

Current Documents/Policies

FTA Circular 4702.1B

2017 MBTA DI/DB Policy

2020 MBTA Public Engagement Plan