 MBTA Proposed 2012 Service Cuts/Fare Hikes
The MBTA estimates that operating expenses will exceed revenue by up to $185 million for FY2013 (beginning July 2012). There are several factors that have contributed to this looming deficit including revenue from Massachusetts sales tax that was less than projected due to a weak economy and the fact that the MBTA has not had a fare increase in 5 years.
As a result of these circumstances as well as a multitude of other factors, the MBTA is proposing major fare increases and drastic cuts in service that will have a major impact for North Shore commuters. The MBTA has proposed 2 scenarios that TMA staff has analyzed to provide specific information regarding exactly what these changes will be for North Shore commuters. The changes in service will be effective on July 1, 2012.
The MBTA will have a number of hearings throughout the state during January, February, and early March to allow constituents to voice their concerns about the proposed change and to weigh-in on their choice of scenario (if they have one). The MBTA has developed a webpage – "Join the Discussion" that includes a schedule of hearings, an information booklet about the proposed cuts/fare increase scenarios, and several documents that present information about how these two scenarios were derived.
The North Shore TMA staff will be providing testimony about the impact of these proposed changes to North Shore commuters at the Feb. 7th hearing in Lynn. It will strengthen our testimony on behalf of all our constituents if you would please take a moment to send TMA staff an email (commute@northshoretma.org) to let us know the impact of these changes on you, your employees, your business, and/or your customers.
The North Shore TMA is also partnering with our TMA member Cummings Center for a letter writing/petition campaign to the MBTA and local legislators. Please click here to learn more and to participate.
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