Proposed MBTA Service Cuts Could Heavily Impact Reading

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation rolled out two scenarios on Tuesday for fare increases and service cuts on the MBTA public transit system. Officials said the cuts are necessary to help remedy a projected $161 million budget gap for fiscal year 2013.

Both plans will heavily impact Reading commuters who utilize public transportation and riders may soon have to pay more for each ride. The first scenario plans to raise fares by 43 percent, while plan number two calls for a 35 percent hike.

One major difference between the two scenarios, and the one which will most pressingly affect Reading, is the severity of the bus line cuts proposed in the second plan. Under this scenario, both the 136 and 137 bus routes—running between Reading Depot and Malden Station—would be eliminated, leaving Reading with only the commuter rail as a means of public transportation. Both scenarios call for an end to weekend service on the 136 bus to Malden Station, although, under the first plan, this is the only change to Reading's current bus situation.

According to the MBTA, the greater number of service cuts would facilitate the lower fare increase under the second scenario.

Under both plans, the MBTA would eliminate weekend commuter rail service, while ending nighttime service at 10 p.m. Currently, a one-way commuter rail fare between Reading and North Station costs $4.75. Under the first scenario, the fare would be $7. Scenario two would put the cost of a one-way ticket at $6.50. Parking at the nearest MBTA facility—Oak Grove Station in Malden—would rise from the current $5.50 to $7.50 under scenario one, and increase to $7 under scenario two.

Under the first scenario, the cost of bus CharlieCards would rise from $1.25 to $1.75, while subway cards would rise from $1.70 to $2.40. Parking fees would increase 28 percent, while the second scenario calls for an increase of 25 cents on bus cards and subway CharlieCards increasing to $2.25. Parking fees would rise 20 percent.

Under both plans, commuter rail tickets would be good for only 14 days, instead of the current 180, multi-ride tickets for the commuter rail and ferry service would be eliminated and THE RIDE, which serves the handicapped, would become more expensive. 

Additionally, both scenarios call for the elimination of weekend service on the Green Line E branch and the Mattapan high speed line.

The MBTA is planning to host more than 20 public hearings over the next several months to get users engaged in the process. The closest these will get to Reading is Malden, on Feb. 16, between 6 and 8 p.m. at the City Council Chambers. Look here for a complete list of public meetings.