T Fares Could Jump 20 Percent This Fall

Transportation Secretary James Aloisi says the MBTA will fast track a 15- to 20-percent fare increase that could go into effect this fall. Aloisi says that’s because the T faces a $160-million deficit, falling advertising receipts and increased energy and fuel costs beyond what the authority originally estimated for its 2010 budget.

“I want to solve for several years,”Aloisi says. “I think the only responsible and principled way to proceed here is to have a multiple-year solution.”

That is, no further hikes for two to three years. But in order for this one-time fare increase to cover the T’s financial needs over that time, Aloisi adds that significant service cuts are all but inevitable.