BOSTON — For the first time, the community got its chance to weigh in on MBTA proposed rate hikes at a meeting Tuesday night in Chelsea, Mass.
The MBTA has proposed a 6.3 percent fare increase that - if approved - would go into effect July 1. Here's how it would affect prices:
This hike would be the fourth since 2012.
The MBTA says the money would go to bus improvements and a systemwide automated payment system.
Before the price increases take effect, the MBTA is asking for feedback from riders, who are raising concerns that quality of service should be improved before rates are raised.
"We feel like the conditions just aren't there to raise any fares," said Mariabelen Power, a member of the Chelsea-based community organization Green Roots. "Riders should actually be getting a decrease in fares based on quality of service that we've been receiving."
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A series of public hearings began Tuesday night at the Chelsea Senior Center. Those in attendance said they need better service now to justify a 10 cent increase to bus rides.
"Chelsea riders have been carrying the burden for some of the most low quality service for the entire system, including the 111 bus, the 116 and the 117," Power said. "We don’t have a subway stop, [and] we now have a silver line that’s not as effective as it was supposed to be."
MBTA officials say that improvements are happening now.
"Tonight, when we shut down, there will be people working on track, power, signals, we’ll be testing vehicles on the line," listed Jeff Gonneville, the Deputy General Manager for the MBTA. "Today in-between revenue service cars we will be running the new orange line trains, these are all new things that are coming."
The MBTA says they plan to review the feedback given by riders before voting this spring.
A 10 to 15 cent increase per ride may seem small, but members from Green Roots feel like the raise could be detrimental to low-income riders.
"Just because it's legally allowed to increase fares doesn’t mean it's right to place another economic burden on people that are already struggling," Powers said.
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Additional meetings will be held:
- Quincy - Wednesday, Feb. 20: Thomas Crane Public Library from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Woburn - Thursday, Feb. 21: Woburn-Anderson Regional Transportation Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- South Boston - Monday, Feb. 25: Tynan School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Harvard Square - Tuesday, Feb. 26: Cambridge Rindge & Latin School from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Downtown Boston - Wednesday, Feb. 27: State Transportation Building from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Watertown - Monday, March 4 (Rescheduled from Feb. 12): Watertown Police Dept. Community Room from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Worcester - Wednesday, March 6: Worcester Union Station from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Downtown Boston - Thursday, March 7: State Transportation Building from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Comments regarding the fare proposal can also be emailed to fares@mbta.com or mailed to MBTA, Attn: Fare Proposal, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.