MBTA proposes plan to raise fares by 6.3% starting in July

BOSTON — MBTA fare hikes are back. On Monday, MBTA officals released a proposal that would bump up the cost of taking the T.

During the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control board meeting, General Manager Steve Poftak said they plan to raise fares by an average of 6.3% over the next three years.

That means, with a 6.3% hike, the current fare for a one-way bus ride would soon be $1.80. Below is a detailed view of the proposal.

If the proposal goes through, the increase would take effect on July 1, 2019.

This will be the fourth price hike since 2012, but the first in three years. The MBTA is only allowed to increase fares every two years -- and that increase can be no more than 7 percent.

Those who oppose the rising costs fear it could push commuters to use ride sharing apps like Lyft or Uber instead of public transportation.

There's also been a push to make CharlieCards more easily accessible. Right now they're mostly only available at the large tranist hubs.

A spokesperson for the MBTA told Boston 25 News, “after the proposals are presented, there will be a lengthy public comment period during which T riders may offer their thoughts, comments and suggestions.”

Before the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board votes on fares in March, they're asking the public for feedback online through February 28, 2019.

If interested, submit here: mbta.com/fareproposal.

Cox Media Group