MBTA To Increase Train Fares by 6% — Will You Still Ride?

Image by Pexel

By: Reece Andavolgyi:

The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) has approved a 5.8% increase in train fares which is set to go into effect on July. Why? MBTA has stated an increase is necessary to keep up with the systems (think train tracks, employees, repairs, etc.). But with their last increase in 2016 and lack of substantial improvements, where exactly is the money going?

The almost 6% fare hikes are expected to add $29 million annually to the MBTA’s budget. For a single ride, the increase translates to an estimated 15 cents extra per ride. On July 1, a single ride ticket will jump from $2.25 to $2.40.  For seniors, students and bus riders, fares will remain the same.

Per mbta.com

The following fares will remain the same:

• Local bus one-way fare
• Local bus monthly pass
• Reduced one-way fares for local bus and subway (senior, TAP, youth, and student)
• Reduced monthly passes (senior, TAP, youth, and student)

Here’s what the new fares will look like:

Photo by MBTA.com

Student, upcoming college graduate and T rider, Erin Keating called the price hike annoying and unnecessary, “It’s just so annoying and totally unnecessary.  I used to be able to take a $5 bill to pay for my train ride round trip, and now I can’t.  I don’t get why they’re increasing the price. There are so many people who commute into Boston on the train and this is going to affect everyone, especially new college grads commuting into the city for new jobs.”

Keating isn’t the only one expressing frustrations. At a meeting with the MBTA and the Fiscal Management and Control Board, Boston Mayor, Marty Walsh addressed the price hikes, “We still have further to go to ensure the MBTA is serving our residents equitably and effectively, but freezing rate hikes for those that would be impacted the most is the fair and responsible step forward towards a better transportation system for all.” It’s unsure whether the added revenue from the price hike will actually improve the train and its systems.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Fiscal and Management Control Board also voted to put off a fare hike for the next three years. A $2.40 one-way, subway fare will be here to stay until 2022.