Wednesday, January 25, 2012

MBTA Outlines Possible Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

(via the TRAINS.com newswire)

BOSTON — Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has outlined two scenarios to close a $161 million budget gap for the year 2012, the Milford [Mass.] Daily News has reported. Both would involve fare hikes of 35 to 43 percent, plus cuts to rail services.

The agency is holding public meetings in an effort to receive feedback, but early indications aren’t good. The cuts include ending commuter rail services on weekends and after 10 p.m., services riders depend on.

“I’m not enthusiastic about that because it will push some people back into their cars,” said state Sen. Richard Moore, D-Uxbridge. “I think it will potentially have negative impacts.”

The agency hasn’t raised fares over the past five years. “Unfortunately, the cost of operating a major transit system has not stayed the same over the last five years,” spokesman Joe Pesaturo said.

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