Hingham to Boston Ferry Service Could Be Eliminated

 The Massachusetts Department of Transportation today announced that the MBTA will raise fares and cut services including the ferry that heads from Hingham to Boston.

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts DOT released two scenarios for fare increases and service cuts on the MBTA to close a budget gap.

Under both scenarios, MBTA ferries would be eliminated, according to the Mass DOT.

Under one scenario, fares overall would increase by 43 percent, while under the second scenario, they would increase by 35 percent.

The second scenario calls for the elimination of a larger number of bus routes generating savings that would enable the smaller fare increase.

Under the first scenario, the cost of bus CharlieCards would rise from $1.25 to $1.75, while rapid transit CharlieCards would rise from $1.70 to $2.40. Parking would also increase 28 percent.

Under the second scenario, bus Charlie Cards would rise from $1.25 to $1.50, while rapid transit CharlieCards would rise from $1.70 to $2.25. Parking fees would increase 20 percent.

According to an article on Boston.com today, selectmen Bruce Rabuffo said he was never made aware of the service cuts by the MBTA and was surprised the commuter boats from Hingham to Boston would be eliminated.

The ferry service begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m.