From potential fare increases to recommended Commuter Rail cuts and slashing ferry services, proposals delivered by MBTA officials yesterday to fix its looming debt could hit riders hard in all areas.
Two scenarios presented to the MBTA Board’s finance subcommittee each contained significant fare spikes and drops in bus services.
Both proposals also included the option of eliminating the Green Line’s E train on the weekends, a service that runs along Huntington Avenue and acts as a lifeline for students at Northeastern University and Fenway residents.
“Students would be screwed,” said T.J. Wilcox, a senior at Northeastern. “How would people get into the city and to the bars? They shouldn’t do it.”
He said taking a cab is too expensive, and it’s too cold to walk in the winter.
Jessica Kauffman, 23, said cutting weekend services on the line would make it difficult for her to get to work at Copley Place.
“The people that use the E line really need it,” she said.
More than 20 public meetings are scheduled to garner input from riders before a final decision on fare increases and service cuts is made by the MBTA Board in April.
The changes, if passed, would hit riders by July and could include eliminating weekend Commuter Rail trains, as well as commuter services after 10 p.m.
MassDOT Secretary Rich Davey said he prefers an option that would impact the least amount of customers.
“We are going to have an open mind about how we can move forward,” he said.
Scenario 1
Fare Increase: 43%
CharlieCard: $1.70 to $2.40
CharlieTickets: $2 to $3
Bus Ride: $1.25 to $1.75
T Parking: Up 28%
Service Reductions: Commuter Rail, Green Line E, Mattapan trolley, select buses, no ferries.
Scenario 2
Fare Increase: 35%
CharlieCard: $1.70 to $2.25
CharlieTickets: $2 to $3
Bus Ride: $1.25 to $1.50
T Parking: Up 20%
Service Reductions: Commuter Rail, Green Line E, Mattapan trolley, select buses, no ferries.
Follow Steve Annear on Twitter @steveannear
