a glorious Monday to you all, here is the latest MBTA budget doc that I am going to try to read through without getting upset: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2020-10/2020-10-19-fmcb-18-fy21-22-budget-update.pdf

they got to $60m in non service savings, mostly via bond refinancing. disappointing lack of big ideas here (GL OPO, CR staffing)

So, good news! fare revenue is up...

but with more data we need to reassess the next 9 months of fare revenue and build out more scenarios...

and yes, pick the one that puts us in a deeper budget hole

good news! we saved about $30m in CARES in FY20

bad news, $30m in FEMA $ is now mysteriously delayed out of budget

this new gap? solved mostly by money we already put away

this whole document is frustrating because it feels like making adj to reach a desired end (we have money issues!) not our best estimate of the future