T Deficit Again Raises Talk of Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

Again this year, MBTA officials have proposed service cuts and fare increases if there is no increase in funding to close a $130 million projected budget deficit in fiscal year 2014.

This week, the MBTA's Director of Strategic Initiatives, Charles Planck, said at a MBTA finance committee meeting that in order to close the budget gap T fares will need to go up 33 percent, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday.

Locally, it would mean a $252 monthly pass from Hamilton-Wenham station woudl go up to $335.

There was also talk at the meeting of a 15 percent fare increase coupled with the possible elimination of service that would include a reduced commuter rail schedule, according to the Globe.

Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled an ambitious transportation plan in February that would potentially raise $1.02 billion per year for the next 10 years, some of which, if lawmakers adopt the proposal, could go toward MBTA services. The MBTA budget for fiscal year 2014 is due April 15, the Globe reports.