Future Deficit Forces T into Tough Choices
MBTA officials have proposed service cuts and fare increases if there is no increase in funding, based on a $ 130 million projected budget deficit in fiscal year 2014. Director of Strategic Initiatives for the MBTA 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, which means subway fares would move up from $ 2 to $ 2.60, The Boston Globe reported Wednesday. There was also talk at the meeting of a 15 percent fare increase coupled with the possible elimination of up to 30 bus routes, 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. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Five Things: Girls Hoops, Food Choices and Global Warming
1. LHS Girls Hoops Host Boston Latin: Lexington High varsity girls basketball team will look to punctuate a successful 2012-2013 campaign with a postseason run and it begins at 7 p.m. tonight, when the Minutemen host Boston Latin in the first round to the MIAA Division 1 North tournament. 2. Today in Public Meetings: According to the town website, public meetings posted for today include the ad hoc Townwide Facilities Master Planning Committee at 8:30 a.m. at the DPW Building, the Town Celebrations Committee at 7 p.m. at the DPW Buildig, the Tourism Committee’s Antony Working Group at 7 p.m. at Cary Hall, the Recreation Committee at 7 p.m. at the Town Office Building and the Planning Board at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Office Building. 3. Food Choices & Global Warming with Sonia DeMarta: Basektball’s not the only thing going tonight at Lexington High. At 7 p.m., Lexington Community Education will present an evening of discussion on food choices and global warming with Sonia DeMarta, a co-founder of the Lexington Farmers Market. Costs $ 20; email info@lexingtoncommunityed.org for more information. 4. Do You Get Daily, Weekly and Breaking News in Your Inbox? If the answer to that question was “No,” then you’re missing out and need to click here to sign up for the Patch Newsletter. 5. Rainy Day, Maybe Snowy Night: Looks like rain today, with a high of 39, according to the National Weather Service, which predicts more precipitation — and possibly snow — overnight at the low gets down to 34. South End Patch