MBTA Eyeing Fare Price Hikes
Agency Carrying Huge Debt Load, Group Says
POSTED: 8:31 am EDT October 17,
2007
UPDATED: 8:56 am EDT October 17,
2007
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BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is doing the math and the numbers are not pretty. A new report indicates that MBTA officials could have to make some tough decisions in the near future in order to stay out of the red. One option is a serious price hike for commuters.NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that if the MBTA was going for its annual physical, it would be in critical condition, according to the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, or MassPIRG.The group says that additional fare increases will be necessary if the MBTA does not pay off its existing debt of $8.1 billion.MassPIRG's report is on its way to Gov. Deval Patrick with recommendations that fares be raised to close the budget gap. It suggests a fare increase of at least 38 percent over the next five years. That would mean a subway ride would cost $2.35, a commuter rail pass would cost $257 a month.Another option would be to cut back on bus routes and service.
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