Mass. Fare Hikes Targeted In State House Protest

An offshoot of the Occupy Boston movement has begun what it says will be a 10-day protest against MBTA fare hikes and service cuts.

Occupy the MBTA established what it called Camp Charlie on the State House steps shortly after the T's board voted Wednesday to raise fares an average 23 percent for holders of automated Charlie Cards on July 1.

Advocates for riders have called on the Legislature to find a long-term solution to the T's money woes.

Senate President Therese Murray, in a speech to business leaders on Thursday, said any long-term fix must involve not only the T but the state's entire transportation network — including roads, bridges and regional transit systems.

She called on the board overseeing the Massachusetts Department to Transportation to develop such a plan.