Fare Hikes and Commuter Rail Schedule Changes: MBTA Asking for Feedback

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- If you’re a regular T rider, undoubtedly you’re concerned about any changes the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plans to make.

Early in January, the MBTA voted to move forward on two proposals for a fare hike; one would raise fares around 5 percent, the other 10. The MBTA is also discussing late night service.

The MBTA is holding a series of public meetings on proposed fare changes and late night service so that comments and suggestions can be shared with T officials.

“The January and February gatherings will be an opportunity to offer recorded comments, which will be considered by the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board and MassDOT,” said the release.

A series of 10 public meetings on fare changes will be followed by a vote of the Board, which is anticipated to occur in March. The Board will consider public input on two possible scenarios.

Fare adjustments are just one part of a broader effort by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to close the T’s $242 million structural deficit with a series of cost cutting measures and improvements in operational efficiency, said the announcement.

The T has created an online Fare Options Comparison tool to give customers the opportunity to calculate fares under the proposed changes.

Go to:

• English version
• Spanish version

Comments may also be submitted using the tool.

The T’s Late-Night Pilot Program was launched in March 2014, extending service 90 minutes longer on all subway and key bus routes on Friday and Saturday nights. The purpose of public meetings is to discuss current usage, the budget and closure dates, and to invite public input on designing future late-night service. Some meetings will also be accepting comments about Commuter Rail schedule changes.

Written comments about late night service will also be accepted through Friday, Feb. 12, and can be mailed to: MBTA, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Late-Night Service Committee.

Comments may also be submitted online; by email atlatenightservice@mbta.com; or by phone at 617-222-5146.

All meetings and locations are accessible to people with disabilities.

Wednesday, February 3

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Walnut Hill School

12 Highland St. Natick

Topic: Commuter Rail schedule changes

Thursday, February 4

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Bigelow Middle School

42 Vernon St. Newton

Topic: Fare Changes

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Photo of commuter rail train in downtown Framingham by Petroni Media Company