Fares Going Up for MBTA Riders, But How Much?

MASSACHUSETTS -- The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority are proposing two scenarios that would increase fares for riders starting in July.

The MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board on Monday voted on weighing two proposals for fare-hikes, one that would raise them an average of 5 percent and another 10 percent, reported the State House News Service/Worcester Business Journal.

The fare hike would take effect in July.

The two options could generate between $33.2 and $49.4 million in new revenue, reported Boston Magazine.

“We have very deeply discounted passes, more than other big city transit systems. Our passes are a great deal and we want them to stay a good deal,” Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack told State House News.

The vice president and director of Healthy Communities and Environmental Justice at the Conservation Law Foundation told reporters that both options were “punishing the victim.” Legislators, too, voiced concern over fare hikes.

The decision comes nearly a year to the anniversary of the MBTA shutdown during a snow and ice spell that caused an outcry from citizens and rail riders.