MBTA Increases Fares Amid Protests

By ALISON BAUTER (Patch Staff)

WILMINGTON, MA - Wilmington commuters heading into Boston are going to have to dig a little deeper into their wallets after the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board voted to increase rider fares Monday.

All but shouting into their microphones to be heard, the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board voted to increase rider fares Monday, amid loud disruptions from protestors who earlier caused a break in the hearing.

On average, rider fares will rise 9.3 percent across the board, effective July 1, the state transportation secretary confirmed following a chaotic meeting. This is lower than the initial 9.77 percent hike option proposed, with additional concessions on students prices.

The two dozen or so remaining protestors departed long after the board adjourned, chanting, "We'll be back!"

Earlier in the meeting, the board briefly recessed after protestors rushed to the front of the room, chanting through a megaphone and holding up banners opposing fare hikes. After returning, board members fielded several proposed amendments to those cuts before adjourning for a private executive session.

Protestors remained in place even after the meeting adjourned, shaking improvised noisemakers and chanting, "Fight the hike" in what they call a "people's takeover."

The board met to decide whether to raise fares and by how much. It will also propose ways to soften the potential fare hike for students and seniors. It was debating between two potential fare increases, one that would up fares across the board by an average of 6.71 percent, or another that would grow those fares by 9.77 percent.

You can see the new prices of each option here.

The T projects a $138 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, and estimates a $7 billion maintenance backlog. The plan to raise fares is meant to address those impending costs. The 9.3 percent rate hike (which varies depending on mode of transit and whether riders purchase tickets or passes) will boost the budget by an estimated $49 million.

Students fares, a point of contention in past public hearings, will rise to $30 from $26 per month now. The control board initially proposed raising student fares to $32.

Photo, video courtesy of Alison Bauter, Patch Staff