Menino not on track with T cuts, fare hikes

Riders aren’t the only ones concerned about steep fare increases and drastic service cuts proposed by the MBTA.

The T’s suggestions to ditch ferries, derail the Green Line E trains and cease the Commuter Rail on weekends does not bode well with Mayor Thomas Menino, either.

In a three-page letter delivered to MassDOT Secretary Rich Davey this week, Menino said he favors a gas tax increase or “other revenue options” as an alternative to the two proposals put on the table by the MBTA.?State leaders disagree with his gas tax idea.

“The riders should not be forced to shoulder the entire weight of this debt,” said Menino. “I am deeply concerned.”

While Menino applauded the T’s efforts to look for ways to save money, he said he strongly opposed cuts in one scenario recently floated by T officials that would axe more than 100 bus routes, including 33 in Boston neighborhoods.

“Eliminating services would dismantle Boston’s transit system and significantly diminish our ability to foster economic growth,” he said in the letter.

Menino said he wants to work closely with Gov. Deval Patrick and legislative leaders on MBTA financing solutions to address the long-term fiscal deficit, calling the current options a “one-year Band-Aid.”

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