More MBTA Fare Hikes Loom if Beacon Hill Politicians Don't Come Through With $51 Million Bailout

A delay by Beacon Hill pols in making good on a promised $51 million cash infusion for the MBTA might cause the transit agency to ask strapped riders to shell out even more in fare hikes. Commuters could also suffer further service cuts.

The unfulfilled bargain was part of the deal brokered earlier this year to close the T's $159 million budget shortfall. Riders will pay a 23 percent fare increase, coupled with some service cuts, starting in just three weeks. State legislators keep dawdling on one one-time infusion of unused state auto inspection fees, according to the Herald.

"I have to say that even for this Legislature, this is really shocking," T board member Ferdinand Alvaro told the tabloid. "With three weeks left and no indication the money is coming, we need plan B, and plan B presumably is going to be a disaster given the amount of money we are short."

Governor Deval Patrick isn't happy either.

"The Legislature has assured us that they are going to take up the T fix," Patrick told the Globe on Monday. "They need do so soon."

The political classes outside the State House plan to put further pressure on the Legislature on Monday with a 2 p.m. rally at South Station. The list of folks expected to speak includes Mayor Thomas Menino (plus other area mayors) and Transportation Secretary Richard Davey.

Back Bay residents, what do you think? Let us know in the comments.