Boston city councilor: Public transportation should be affordable, reliable

Thousands of people rely on public transportation to get around, but just how accessible is it to the public?

"It's scary because you don't want something happening when you're trying to get on the train," said Augusta Droste.

It's an experience Boston City Council President Michelle Wu says happens too often. On Wednesday, she tweeted out a photo of her 3-year-old alongside her 4-month-old in a stroller. The caption says, "Today's #MBTAcommute: elevator broken at Forest Hills. No personnel in sight. Thank you to the kind stranger who helped us down the stairs!"

In another tweet, she says the problems continued at the Roslindale Village Commuter Rail Station where she couldn't get her stroller off the train.

"It may seem like it's challenging from time to time, something pops up here and there, but when you look at the system overall, there is a big issue around accessibility," said Wu.

When Boston 25 News reporter Stephanie Coueignoux went to the Forest Hills T Station, she found the elevator was fixed. When she asked an MBTA spokesperson about it, he told her they typically fix elevators within half a day. He apologized for any inconvenience and said on Wednesday, 99 percent of MBA elevators were operational.

Wu told Boston 25 News she understands systems break down, but says there should always be another option.

"Public transportation really should be the affordable, reliable option for everyone - that includes seniors, people who need wheelchairs and walkers, parents with strollers," said Wu.

The MBTA spokesman said they have invested millions of dollars in accessibility improvements over the recent years. Boston 25 News also reached out to Keolis, the company that oversees the commuter rail system. A spokesman referred us to the MBTA's statement.

Cox Media Group