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New site? Maybe some day. 
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A new plan calls for MBTA fares to rise 23 percent and four bus routes to be cut to close the MBTA's projected $161 million budget gap, according to an MBTA press release.
Fourteen other bus routes would be modified under the proposal, according to the MBTA. Details on which routes would be impacted weren't immediately available Wednesday morning.
If approved, the changes would begin on July 1. Bus fares would rise to $1.50 from $1.25 and a subway ride would jump to $2 from $1.70. Monthly passes would rise from $59 to $70.
For students and seniors, bus fares will rise to 75 cents and subway rides will jump to $1. Also, the MBTA would start offering a 7-day student pass for $28.
No changes would be made for THE RIDE services, but fares would rise to $4 or $5, depending on where you live and how far you would travel.
The proposal includes $61 million in one-time revenues from the state in 2013, which will be unavailable for use in future years, according to the press release.
Also, weekend commuter rail service will remain, however, weekend service on the Plymouth-Kingston, Needham and Greenbush lines would would be eliminated.
Members MBTA staff will present the solution to the MBTA's board for its approval April 4th, the press release said. The changes would be effective July 1, the release said.
Release: http://mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=24281&month=&year= |
I welcome this change. Hopefully less scum riding the subway, better service, and ...more fare evasion. |
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Blame Mark F-word Richards |
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It's still cheaper than New York and DC. |
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Fare hike approved in a 4-1 vote today OFFICIALLY
Board members approved a plan in a 4-1 vote that would raise most subway fares by 30 cents, bus fares by 25 cents, and commuter rail fares by at least $1.25.
The plan also calls to eliminate two bus routes that serve Medford: The 355, and the 710. The 710 route -- operated by Joseph's Transportation -- includes North Medford, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and Wellington Station. The 355 is an express bus that runs from Woburn to Boston with a stop in Medford Square.
Two other MBTA bus routes cuts, along with service changes The Ride, and the commuter rail were also approved. Previous proposals raised the possibility that far more significant cuts to bus service could be made.
Many people showed up at today's hearing and were given a chance to talk during a one-hour "public speaking" session before the vote. They also chanted a chorus of "Shame on You!" after the vote was taken.
The plan that was approved was the third budget proposal after the MBTA floated two previous ideas that would have made more drastic cuts. Those plans were presented in dozens of public hearings across the state where they faced strong opposition from the public.
Meanwhile, several groups continued to protest this latest budget plan, including an overnight vigil that was held at the Statehouse Tuesday into Wednesday morning.
An "Occupy" group was also planning to hold a "people's hearing" outside the State House today at 3 p.m., followed by a 5 p.m. rally and 8 p.m. vigil.
Today's vote takes care of the projected deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 1 but does not get rid of billions of dollars in debt the agency was given in 2000. Critics have said the state should bail out the troubled transportation department. |
lol@bolded segment |
 
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