Response to Orange Line Shutdown

Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) has issued a letter to federal authorities voicing opposition to public statements by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding Greater Boston’s Orange Line shutdown. LCR recently pointed out that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) violated federal law by failing to conduct a service equity analysis before implementing the shutdown. In response, the FTA claimed that such an analysis is not required for a temporary line closure of fewer than 12-months. 

For the reasons explained in LCR’s most recent letter, the FTA’s position is legally incorrect and undermines Title VI protections for communities of color and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. The FTA’s continued support of the MBTA’s flawed Title VI process sends a dangerous message that Title VI protections are merely a suggestion for transit providers.  LCR urges the FTA to reconsider its service equity analysis position and to step in and ensure a more equitable implementation of this shutdown.

Click here to download LCR’s letter.

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