December 8, 2011
by Steve Annear, Boston Metro

It may be almost impossible to avoid a fare increase on the MBTA, according to MassDOT Secretary Rich Davey.

In a worst case scenario, T riders could see ticket prices for trains shoot up from $2 to $3.25 for a ride.

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But the T has not released any definite proposals, and months of public hearings and discussions will come long before an increase in what riders pay.

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“We believe a fare increase is just not fair,” said T Rider’s Union representative Gwendolyn Vincent. “Because we aren’t talking about the issue of fare increases we are talking about peoples' livelihood.”

Vincent attended an MBTA Board meeting yesterday with a flock of supporters behind her calling the potential increases and service cuts “unnecessary and unfair.”

“Ridership is at an all time high and [the MBTA] would lose that revenue and that ridership. [The T] needs to sustain the system,” said TRU member Lee Matsueda.

Matsueda invited acting General Manager Jon Davis to a meeting with TRU to look at other avenues for cutting costs.

“I will be there,” said Davis.

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