MBTA Considers Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

– Allison Goldsberry

The MBTA is considering fare hikes and service cuts to address an anticipated $185 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2013, according to an announcement from the agency on January 3.

For Medford that could mean the elimination of the 325, 326, 95, and 96 bus routes. The 134 bus route could be cut back and commuter rail service could potentially be eliminated after 10PM on week nights and altogether on weekends.

In addition, fares could increase from $1.25 to $1.75 to ride the bus and $1.70 to $2.40 for the train.

The MBTA is holding public meetings in January and February to get public feedback. Recommendations are expected to be made to the MBTA Board in March with an anticipated Board vote in April. Any changes would go into effect in July.

A full public meeting schedule is available online. In addition, public comments can be submitted to fareproposal@mbta.com or mailed to Fare Proposal, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3910, Boston, MA 02116.

The MBTA says rising operational costs and insufficient revenue have led to the budget gap.

“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 A. Davey in a statement.

“With MBTA ridership at record levels, the demand for the services we deliver is unquestionable,” said Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis, a Medford resident. “I look forward to an open and transparent public process that will lead to recommendations on how we can continue to satisfy demand while addressing the T’s financial crisis.”

State Senator Patricia Jehlen called the proposals to close the expected budget gap “concerning.” She said the MBTA is “doing what it has to do” given its financial constraints but it’s clear “belt-tightening” and other financial management aren’t enough to address the current fiscal crisis.

According to Sen. Jehlen, the MBTA is one of the least expensive public transportation services in the nation and fares haven’t increased for five years. Attempts to address the T’s financial problems by increasing fares and dedicating additional funding to it from the sales tax aren’t enough, says Jehlen.

“It has been clear for many years that the Commonwealth needs to dedicate more revenue to the T in order to keep the system solvent and to provide the level of service that we all want…I, along with several of my colleagues, have been advocating for an increase in the gas tax as a reasonable and sustainable way to ensure financial solvency for the T. It is past time that we seriously address these long term funding issues. I will continue to advocate for an increase in the gas tax and more dedicated revenue to the T,” said Sen. Jehlen.