Riders Push Back Against MBTA Fare Increase Proposal

BOSTON, MA — The MBTA proposal to raise fares by 6.3 percent does not appear to be a popular one, as dozens of people packed the hearing room Thursday to weigh in against the hike.

"AriZona Tea has cost 99 cents for 18 years. 18 years. And what the good people of AriZona Tea figured out is if you don't improve the quality of the T you don't raise the price of the T," said State Rep. Tommy Vitolo of Brookline to cheers as he cracked into a can of tea during the hearing at the State Transportation building.

The MBTA announced plans in January to raise fares by 6.3 percent - the first hike in three years. MBTA officials said the "modest fare increase" across the entire system would help the transit system keep pace with rising costs by netting $32 million in additional revenue. If passed, it would start in July.

But, coming right after the State Commission released a report on the Future of Transportation and the City of Boston announced a Carbon Free Boston initiative both highlighting the need for the city to grow public transit ridership for the economy and for environment, Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu said there was some serious disconnect.

She collected more than 2,500 signatures arguing the proposal, that would raise the price of trip from $2.25 to $2.40, was taking the state in the wrong direction, and the MBTA should, instead, consider moving toward free ridership.

"We are running out of time to transform our economy and society in the face of climate change, and the Greater Boston region is now confronted with the worst traffic in the nation. The proposed fare increase represents a step in the wrong direction when we can’t afford anything less than aggressive progress forward," the petition reads.

Riders complain that the MBTA services aren't good enough to merit the hike, pointing to frequent delays and poor communication.

"If the T wants to raise the fares they really have to explain to the public what exactly the fares go to and what's the plan long term," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh told a Mass Live reporter earlier in the week.

The MBTA increased weekday parking prices at many of its busiest stations last summer.

The Fiscal Management and Control Board still must approve the hike. The board will be asked to vote on March 11.

RELATED: MBTA Proposes 6.3 Percent Rate Hike

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Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).