DeLeo: Transportation Bill Should Eliminate Need For MBTA Fare Increase
BOSTON (CBS) - The MBTA is facing another massive budget gap and looking at fare hikes as one possible solution, but Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo says he's hopeful that won't be needed.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
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"I suppose you can never guarantee anything, but I think it's fairly close to a guarantee that we're going to have a transportation bill in place prior to a need for any further increases in fares," DeLeo said on Nightside with Dan Rea on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Wednesday night.
The MBTA is trying to close a $140 million budget deficit. The proposal on the table includes fare increases, service cuts to existing lines and some less-popular bus routes may be eliminated.
Under the proposal, it would cost 30-percent more to ride public transportation. It would also be the second fare increase in a year.
"It's my hope that they see the good faith the legislature is making, they will see the fact we are putting money to take care of the issues, to address the issues, and at this point there should be no need to see any increases"
