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