Fare Hikes, Service Cuts Loom For Mass. Transit

Public transit in Massachusetts is facing a bumpy ride this coming year.

State Transportation Secretary Richard Davey says the MBTA will unveil a list of potential fare increases and service cuts in January aimed at erasing a deficit that is projected at $161 million next year and could reach $350 million by 2016.

Up to 20 public hearing are expecting on the proposals.

Lee Matsueda of the T Riders Union says fare increases and service cuts would be devastating to low-income residents, the elderly, students and others dependent on public transportation. He says the MBTA should look to other ways of solving its financial problems.

Current fares for passengers with CharlieCard transit passes are $1.70 for subways and $1.25 for buses. The last fare increase was in 2007.