Community Corner

MBTA Proposals Raise Rates, Reduce Service

The two scenarios would increase fares by either 35 or 43 percent.

As the MBTA struggles with a growing budget gap, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation today released two MBTA service proposals that would not only raise rates, but also include some service reductions or eliminations.

According to information released on a Mass.gov blog, one scenario proposes an overall fare increase of 43 percent, while the other scenario suggests a 35 percent fare increase. 

The proposals look to close a projected $161 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013, the statement said. 

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Under the first scenario (a 43 percent increase) a bus trip would go from the current $1.25 Charlie Card fare to $1.75. A rapid transit Charlie Card fare would increase from $1.70 to $2.40. Parking will also increase 28 percent.

The second scenario (a 35 percent increase) would raise fares for a bus Charlie Card from $1.25 to $1.50 and rapid transit Charlie Card from $1.70 to $2.25. Parking fares would increase by 20 percent.

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"While the MBTA continues to identify and adopt strict measures to close the budget gap, less costly ways of doing business and additional revenue-generating measures are necessary," said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey in the online statement. "I am confident with the public’s involvement in this process we can review the study, propose recommendations, and together generate new revenue to continue the progress the MBTA has made in serving its customers.”  

In addition, both scenarios include service eliminations or reductions to the Commuter Rail, bus, light rail, ferry and THE RIDE service area. 

The MassDOT statement says 20 public meetings will be held over the next several months to discuss the proposals. A final recommendation will be made in the spring, with new fares and service changes implemented on July 1, 2012.

A 74-page MBTA analysis of the two proposals is attached to this post as a PDF.


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