Kafka, Timilty Among Those Asking MBTA to Skip 'Fare Hike'

State Rep. Louis Kafka and are among 49 state legislators who today asked the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to stop plans to charge another $3 for commuter rail tickets purchased on trains starting this Sunday, July 1.

Travelers would pay the fee even if tickets aren't sold at the station they board from, Kafka said in a press release.

"This course of action is extremely disappointing, and I hope that the T will reconsider their decision. Many station stops don't offer the opportunity to purchase tickets, making the $3 fee mandatory for many riders," said Kafka (D-Stoughton), a Sharon native.

The $3 charge would represent a fare increase, ranging from 194.1 percent from Zone 1A to 63.6 percent from Zone 9, according to today's letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Richard Davey.

The letter was signed by members of the House and the Senate, including Kafka and Timilty (D-Walpole).

"Many of the stations do not have ticket sales anywhere but on the train, and some of those that do only sell them during certain hours, so even at those locations there will be times where the '($3) discount' is not available," states the letter, which Kafka's office sent with its press release.

"Call it a surcharge, or say it's a lack of access to a discount, either way; commuters by no fault of their own will be forced to pay a penalty. We implore you to not let our constituents face such an unreasonable fare hike."

Sharon's MBTA commuter rail station is at 1 Upland Road.