T fares could go up at least 35% as service is cut

The MBTA has released proposals and data for fare increases that could range between 35% and 43%, as well as cuts on all services except the Red, Blue and Orange Lines.

The T estimates the extra money would make up a $161-million deficit and offset revenue lost by people abandoning the T because of the higher fares.

One proposal would sock CharlieTicket riders with even higher increases in an effort to get them to move to CharlieCards. Another would require a $10 minimum for adding value to CharlieCards on buses or on trolleys, not to raise revenue but to speed boarding times on buses.

The T plans a series of 20 hearings over the coming weeks over its proposals.