Cashman: Long-term fixes, not just refunds, key for T riders

MBTA riders who have called for refunds after the last month of deplorable service might get their wish.

MBTA manager Beverly Scott said she is reviewing the refund request with the MassDOT Finance Committee and will have a decision in mid March. Gov. Charlie Baker is also keen on giving some kind of refund to riders.

While the customers are absolutely deserving of some kind of remuneration, the question becomes how will the cash-strapped agency pay for it. Here’s an idea! Keolis, the new operator of the commuter rail, has a no-excuses contract with the MBTA. The French company has shelled out more than $1 million in fines due to poor service in the last year. Use that money to reimburse passengers.

Any leftover cash from fines shouldn’t go into the general operating budget, but instead to purchase more snow-removal equipment and fleet maintenance.

The MBTA should be a reliable form of transportation for its customers and should not shut down for several days and offer limited service for weeks due to weather — it is New England after all.

Scott said yesterday riders deserve better: “This past month has been an extraordinarily challenging time for the MBTA, but even more so for our customers. …We tremendously respect and appreciate the hundreds of thousands of our customers who use MBTA services every day for work, school, medical visits, shopping and recreation. And, fully recognize the hardships and inconvenience caused by the significant disruptions in service over the last four weeks.”

Riders in their fury are focused on refunds, which is understandable. Putting some cash into their pockets is a short-term solution to a much bigger issue that Baker and the Legislature need to address immediately.

A refund will make for a great 24-hour news cycle for the MBTA and keep riders happy temporarily, but that’s about it.

Consider all of the administration costs that will be needed in order to execute refunds to riders, ensuring the passengers were even on theMBTA during the poor service.

I can see the Boston Herald headline now — Botched MBTA Refunds — more spent on admin than distribution to customers.

This can’t be hush money!

Riders need to take their message to their local lawmakers and fight to make maintaining the MBTA a top priority. A check is nice. Being on time is nicer.

Jaclyn Cashman is co-host of “Morning Meeting” on Boston Herald Radio.