BOSTON — State transportation officials say commuters are almost certain to see an MBTA fare increase next year. Officials told the T’s board on Tuesday that they expect to approve a fare increase in the spring that would take effect July 1. Subway, bus, and commuter rail fares last rose Jan. 1, 2007 .Federal and local regulations prevent the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority from raising fares on a whim. The T must evaluate the potential effects of fare increases or service cuts on ridership patterns, the environment, and lower-income riders, and hold public workshops and hearings.
The why us?, And How Dare you Pity party taking place on twitter yesterday over the announced possibilities of fair hikes for the mbta in Boston yesterday was absolutely mind boggling and completely illogical. Look, it’s a failing business. Failing businesses either die or pass the buck to the customer, and since this particular business can’t just up and die, they’re going to pass the buck. This isn’t a fantasy world, you want the service, you’re going to have to pay for it.
And yea, they could pay for it through higher taxes, but you know what? That actually wouldn’t be fair, and wouldn’t make sense. Why should I, someone who doesn’t rely fully on the subway, subsidize your ride? Are you going to help me out and chip in a few extra bucks come excise tax time? Or the next time I’m hit with the bill for a new set of tires, are all the mass transit commuters going to band together and help me out? If you want to, that’d be great, but I’m assuming the general response was hell no to those rhetorical questions.
It’s called being a responsible adult. I bought that car, chose it as my mode of transportation, and I incur the costs associated with it, as well as paying additional taxes (gas, excise, and tolls) in order to maintain infrastructure needed to make use of my vehicle (and not to mention subsidize forms of public transportation). You’ve chosen not to purchase a car, which is fine. If you can get away with it, great, more power to you. But you’re going to have to pay your way through public transportation, and guess what? If the T isn’t making money using current prices, those prices should go up. It’s how life works.
