On Mar. 7, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) officially announced a proposed fare hike, approved unanimously by board members.

The decision took effect after months of protests by many activist groups from the Boston area.

The proposal was met by criticism. Officials claimed that according to a recent law, fares can only be increased by five percent–at the most–every two years.

Despite protests and counter-arguments, fares will surge system-wide in July of this year by an average of 9.3 percent.

MBTA officials defended the move by claiming a need for money in order to maintain and improve transit service.

Overall, the revenue from the proposed fare increase is projected to produce an extra $42 million in revenue.

According to a statement, the MBTA leadership is aware that fare hikes are never popular among citizens, but are a needed step.

Many argued that the fare increase will hurt low-income families and students who commute to school.

Officials of the City and parents of students attending Boston Public Schools heavily protested the fare increase for student passes.

Due to this effort, the MBTA has decided to expand its student pass program, including the Student CharlieCard. Instead of the regular 10 months of access, it is now for 12 months.

This new Student CharlieCard will also allow students a discounted and unlimited monthly pass.

Riders using a regular CharlieCard to purchase subway rides will face an increase of 7.1 percent.

This translates to $2.25 for a single ride. The new monthly pass will now be $84.50 and a 7-day pass will rise to $21.25.

Monthly passes for the Commuter Rail will rise anywhere between 4.9 and 10 percent.
Governor Charlie Baker defended the MBTA proposal early on by stating that Boston’s public transport system still offers better service compared to others in the country.