Swampscott Forum Brainstorms On Transportation

The last community forum, about two years ago, had a general topics theme but about 30 to 40 percent of the conversations gravitated toward transportation.

Given the topic's appeal and considering how timely it is, what with possible MBTA service cuts and fare increases, organizers selected the transportation theme for Wednesday's forum, said event co-chair Clinton Bench of the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee.

About 40 people attended the forum in the high school cafeteria.

Among them were state Sen. Tom McGee and state Rep. Lori Ehrlich and members of both the Democratic and Republican Town Committees.

Ultimately the room broke into four groups, the break out intended to inspire ideas.

Each group's discussion included talks on where they go and how they travel; what changes have they noticed in how they travel; and what are some problems with transportation and what ideas do they have to improve transportation.

Several people talked about the challenge of being unable to get to point A from B on the T without having to change lines and use up a lot of time.

Others said limited parking in town limits public transportation.

Ideas for boosting transportation other than by car included having the MBTA increase, not decrease, service, as well as developing bike paths and encouraging foot traffic.

Ralph Edwards, head of the Swampscott Democrats, asked the forum participants to think about all means of transportation including bicycling, walking and boat travel, not just trains, planes and buses.

Sen. McGee said state political leaders are going to have a major, comprehensive discussion this year or next on ways to resolve the state's transportation/debt crisis.

Economic opportunity springs from being able to get around, he said.

Conversely, cutting back on service could be devastating for some businesses.

Rep. Ehrlich said she heard a Marblehead restaurant owner say that his entire kitchen relies on public transportation to get to work and back home.

Swampscott residents can find more information about the Community Forum atwww.swampscottdems.org. or by emailing  http://swampscottdems.org/contact/