Future Deficit Forces T into Tough Choices

Fare hikes and service cuts are a few options T officials proposed in an effort to close the $130 million budget deficit in 2014.

MBTA officials have proposed service cuts and fare increases if there is no increase in funding, based on a $130 projected budget deficit in fiscal year 2014. Director of Strategic Initiatives for the MBTA Charles Planck said at a MBTA finance committee meeting that in order to close the budget gap, T fares would need to go up 33 percent, which means subway fares would move up from $2 to $2.60, the Boston Globe reported Wednesday. There was also talk at the meeting of a 15 percent fare increase coupled with the possible elimination of up to 30 bus routes, according to the Globe. Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled an ambitious transportation plan in February that would potentially raise $1.02 billion per year for the next 10 years, some of which, …

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Frosty the Snowman

11:20 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013

Jack up the prices and park the unused busses. I see plenty of empty buses driving around town. I'm sure that there are very busy routes, that are needed. People seem to think they are entitled to an amazing public transit system all over greater Boston. It's not a reality, not enough riders to justify the cost. Buy a car or live closer to work, you might even have to walk further to your stop, …   more ›

MBTA Fare Hikes and Service Cuts Take Effect Sunday

It will cost more to ride the T starting this weekend — and some routes will have decreased service.

On Sunday the MBTA's fare increases start. They're being imposed — along with service cuts — to close the transit agency's $160 million budget gap. Those service cuts also begin Sunday. In Waltham, Saturday service for the 554 bus route will be eliminated.  Also, THE RIDE will add a more expensive $5 zone starting Oct. 1. The MBTA had planned to slap a $3 surcharge on Commuter Rail tickets purchased after boarding a train, but they have abandoned that idea, according to the Associated Press. Instead, the surcharge will be imposed on riders who purchase tickets at stations where they can be bought before boarding. For a complete list of changes taking place on the MBTA system beginning Sunday, visit this T link or check out the PDFs …

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MBTA Activists Close Down a Meeting, Dressed as Superheroes

The "Superheroes" known as the Fast Five took over a meeting with the MBTA's finance and auditing committees yesterday, which was adjourned.

There are only a few jobs which may be interrupted by the presence of superheroes, and this week MBTA board member appears to be one of them. Dressed in brightly-colored garb, The Fast Five have attended MBTA meetings in before, and they swooped in during an open MBTA Finance Committee meeting yesterday to save riders on the MBTA from the impending fare hikes and service cuts proposed by the MBTA.  According to Transportation Nation, the protesters took over the room, and the board members began to walk out of the meeting. The "heroes" then took over the meeting, and appointed themselves as the "People's board," the Globe reports. See a video of the protest here on CBS Boston.  Although the MBTA sent out an open letter announcing they will…

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'Superheroes' To Face Off With MBTA Finance Committee Today

The 'Fast Five,' a project of the T Riders Union in which members dress up as superheroes representing MBTA debt solutions, are attending today's public MBTA Finance Committee meeting.

The Fast Five have attended multiple MBTA meetings in colorful garb, and today they're going to try and "take back our public transit system" during an open MBTA Finance Committee meeting with their proposals, which are matched 1-1 with each "superhero's" identity.  The meeting will be at today at 11 a.m. at 10 Park Plaza in Boston in the MBTA Boardroom on the third floor, and all are welcome to attend.  For those who can't make it, here's a rundown on the Fast Five and what they represent, from their website:  Snow Removal Man seeks to "Transfer MassDOT's snow removal funds to the MBTA, as a mild winter has left much of the money unused." MBCR Rock Star recommends we "Hold MBCR accountable for service!," since "in the past two years, …

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MBTA: Service Cuts/Fare Hikes Will Happen, No Details Yet

MBTA Acting GM and CEO of MassDOT write a letter thanking customers for their input and inviting them to stay engaged.

Yesterday, the MBTA's comment period ended, and they announced that they are not using either of the two proposals originally suggested. The following is an open letter issued by Richard A. Davey, Secretary and CEO of MassDOT and Jonathan Davis, Acting General Manager of the MBTA: ----------------- An Open Letter to Our Customers, Over the last nine weeks we have engaged in a public process to allow our riders to weigh in on recommendations for closing a $159 million budget gap next year. As we conclude that process this week, we want to take a minute to thank you for the unprecedented level of engagement you demonstrated over this period. Since January, nearly 6,000 of you attended our 31 public meetings, with nearly 2,000 individuals …

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Waltham's Top News, Feb. 25 - March 2: Fire Cause and MBTA

Miss a headline? Catch up with our weekly news roundup.

·  The cause of the recent fire near the Brasco funeral home was deemed to be careless disposal of a cigarette. ·  A local man was honored for saving two people from the Brasco fire. ·  A new apartment complex has been proposed for Waltham.  ·  A Waltham man was _busted for a drug offense in Waltham.

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Waltham To MBTA: No Service Cuts, No Fare Hikes

Waltham residents strongly oppose the MBTA's plan to cut service and raise fares

The proposed MBTA service cuts and fare hikes would have a severe impact on the city’s residents — that’s the MBTA officials heard at a public hearing on the issue last night. More than 100 people turned out for the hearing held by the MBTA at the Arthur Clark Government Center to discuss the two proposals the MBTA has made to close its $161 million budget for the next fiscal year. Under the two proposed scenarios, riders would incur service cuts and fare hikes, which would greatly impact Waltham. The MBTA will make its final recommendations on any changes in March, and by April 15, the MBTA Board of Director will make its final decision. Changes would take affect in July. Despite the proposals, MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis, who …

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Brookline Residents, Riders and Officials Talk T Proposals

The Selectmen's meeting on MBTA cuts drew a crowd with some issues with the T cuts, and a few ideas.

Brookline held its own MBTA meeting last night with a crowd of about 80 people signed in, a stenographer, a long table of legislators, town officials and T representatives, and one sing-along of "The MTA Song." The Board of Selectmen hosted this meeting because the town was not included in a list of public meetings with the MBTA, as part of its public process explaining their proposed service cuts and budget hikes aimed at closing a $161 million budget deficit. “We understand that the T faces a deficit, but this is a time for a real, long-term solution," Selectman Chair Betsy DeWitt began, referring to the two proposed scenarios as a "temporary solution" and a "punishment for riders.” Speakers gave their feedback on the proposed service …

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New Proposal Would Avoid Service Cuts on MBTA

The MBTA Advisory Board proposed a plan that would raise fares by 25 percent, shift some costs to other state agencies and institute some thought-provoking fees and changes.

The MBTA Advisory Board, which provides public oversight of the MBTA, has presented a new plan—some might call it a third option—for dealing with the MBTA's in fiscal year 2013. The plan comes amid  over put forth by the MBTA that would substantially raise fares and cut service on Boston's public transportation network. In recent weeks, thousands of angry T riders have attended public hearings around the Boston area to protest those proposals. Under the advisory board's plan, there would be no service cuts, and the fare increase would be less than with the MBTA's two current proposals. Here are some highlights of the plan: Here are some of the more creative ideas The MBTA Advisory Board estimates that, taken together, it's proposal would …

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A Look At The MBTA's Worrisome Finances

Several factors have contributed to the MBTA's poor financial situation.