By Bob Katzen
The MBTA has proposed that bus, subway and commuter rail fares be hiked by an average 6.3 percent. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed hikes which ultimately must be approved by the Fiscal and Management Control Board.
The price of a bus ride would increase by 10 cents (from $1.70 to $1.80); a subway trip by 15 cents (from $2.25 to $2.40); and a monthly link pass, which allows unlimited subway and bus trips by $5.50 (from $84.50 $90). A monthly link pass for seniors, students and person with disabilities would be hiked by $2 (from $30 to $32).
“Fare hikes are an unpleasant bit of this business, but they are an important part of the MBTA’s funding stream,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “This is, I think, a modest fare increase. It keeps pace with inflation and I also think doing it on a periodic basis where the rise is not quite so dramatic, I’m hopeful this lands a little bit easier than in the not-so-distant past when the fare increases were larger.”
Information on the date and location of the public hearings and how to submit comments by e-mail are at: https://mbta.com/fare-proposal-2019