BOSTON -- With the MBTA knee-deep in debt, many were surprised to learn that MBTA employees and retirees get free 'Charlie Cards' to ride the public transportation.
This coming after reports came out Thursday that Massachusetts Turnpike employees and retirees got to pass through 'Fast Lane' tolls for free.
According to the MBTA, there are 3,462 retirees and 6,100 employees who are taking part in this perk included in their contract.
With the recent service cuts and fare hikes administered by the MBTA, this perk in not sitting well with many, including president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation.
"It's clearly an abuse of the system, even if it is collectively bargained. There needs to be some common sense and sense of fairness," said Michael Windmer, president of the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation.
However, some do not see the problem with the free rides.
"Not too many people beating down the door to work for the MBTA, so that's a benefit of getting people to work," said Chris Stannard, an MBTA rider.
"I would say that's not a major factor in terms of their budget problems," said Bruce Symthen, an MBTA rider.
Others believe if they can't ride for free, why should MBTA employees?
"Given the economy I would rather see than not have the perk," said one commuter.
As transportation reforms are hammered out, this perk could soon be eliminated.
(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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