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Politics & Government

Residents, Politicians Express Outrage Over Proposed MBTA Service Cuts, Fare Hikes

Over 200 residents and a delegation of local politicians completely rejected two proposals put forth by the MBTA to bridge a $161 million deficit in the coming year during a special public hearing Wednesday night at the Hennigan Elementary School.

Over 200 residents backed by a delegation of local politicians completely rejected two proposals put forth by the MBTA to bridge a $161 million deficit in the coming year during a special public hearing Wednesday night at the .

Community members called the agency's solutions, both of which depend upon , unacceptable and demanded a lasting solution for the transit authority's funding from the state legislature. Many suggested re-structuring the MBTA's debt or raising revenue through a gas tax or Internet sales tax, although some politicians expressed doubt that statewide officials would willing to find a such a solution to Boston's public transit troubles. Expressing frustration with the MBTA's proposals and its adminstration, some residents used the forum to call for demonstrations, sit-ins, and en masse fare evasion to protest the plans. 

The cuts' effect on JP would include, under both proposals, elimination of the 48 Bus (the "JP Loop"). See .

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