MBTA Proposes 23 Percent Fare Hike, Cutting 710, 355 Buses

A new plan from the MBTA calls for a 23 percent rise in fares and four bus routes cut to close the transit authority's projected $161 million budget gap, according to an MBTA press release.

Fourteen other bus routes would be modified under the proposal, according to the MBTA.

The 710 bus, operated by private carrier Joseph's Transportation, would be cut as part of the proposal, according to the MBTA. The 710 bus services North Medford, Medford Square and Wellington Station. The 355 bus would also be cut under the proposal. It is an express bus that runs from Woburn to Boston and makes a stop in Medford Square.

Previous proposals would have

Bus fares would rise to $1.50 from $1.25 and a subway ride would jump to $2 from $1.70 under the proposal. Monthly passes would rise from $59 to $70.

For students and seniors, bus fares will rise to 75 cents and subway rides will jump to $1. Also, the MBTA would start offering a 7-day student pass for $28.

No changes would be made for THE RIDE services, but fares would rise to $4 or $5, depending on where you live and how far you would travel.

The proposal includes $61 million in one-time revenues from the state in 2013, which will be unavailable for use in future years, according to the press release.

Also, weekend commuter rail service will remain, however, weekend service on the Plymouth-Kingston, Needham and Greenbush lines would would be eliminated.

Members MBTA staff will present the solution to the MBTA's board for its approval April 4th, the press release said. The changes would be effective July 1, the release said.

Read the PDF to the right to see proposed bus route eliminations/reductions (file courtesy of MBTA).