Springfield Mayor Calls for Zero Tolerance on Youth Disturbances at Union Station
Mayor is ‘pissed off’: Union Station disturbances spur call for end of free busing

Image: Masslive
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is advocating for an end to free busing after witnessing disturbances caused by large groups of teens at Union Station. He emphasizes the need for safety and proposes vouchers for families instead of free rides. Recent incidents have led to multiple arrests and ongoing safety concerns for commuters.
- 01Mayor Sarno observed a gathering of 50 to 70 teens at Union Station, prompting a police response.
- 02The fare-free Pioneer Valley Transit Authority busing program has been linked to increased disturbances.
- 03In May, police received 225 calls for service at Union Station, with 20 arrests made.
- 04Sarno is pushing for zero tolerance towards unruly behavior, with potential arrests for disturbances.
- 05The Springfield Redevelopment Authority is investing over $1 million annually in security at Union Station.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno of Springfield has expressed his frustration over ongoing disturbances caused by large groups of teenagers at Union Station, which he witnessed firsthand. He is calling for an end to the fare-free busing program initiated by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, attributing the rise in unruly behavior to this initiative. Sarno stated that the safety of commuters is paramount, and he proposes that instead of free rides, vouchers should be provided to assist struggling families. Recent police statistics indicate a significant number of calls for service, with 225 incidents reported in May alone, leading to multiple arrests. The mayor emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances, suggesting that offenders would face immediate consequences. Additionally, he noted the financial burden of security at Union Station, which exceeds $1 million annually, as efforts continue to ensure a safe environment for all users of the transportation hub. The city officials are urging parents to help mitigate the issue, highlighting the need for community involvement in addressing the behavior of the youth.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The disturbances at Union Station affect not only commuters but also local businesses and employees in the area, raising safety concerns.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the fare-free busing program?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




