Aaron Rosenberg spotted this fare-increase advisory being used to block a Park Street escalator that's been out of service for three weeks - after he had a "45 minute commute to go 3 stops." Also, note the date on the sign.

The Globe reports the T is looking at replacing the current fare machines on buses and trolleys with new devices that would only accept payments by phone, credit card or CharlieCard.

A T board member said that in addition to speeding up boarding, the new system would satisfy what she claims is public demand to be charged based on distance or time of day. Ed. question: Any of you T riders clamoring to be charged more for riding at rush hour or from Forest Hills to Braintree?

The T is running new announcements on the Green Line, at least at above-ground stops: "Pay your fare! It's only fair!"

As Boston Dog kvetches:

Oh my God. The "Pay your Fare!" announcements on the Green Line got obnoxious after three stops.

Pict Liberation Army adds:

Particularly when its playing over drivers flagging people past farebox.

MassDOT says reductions in overtime and other costs mean the T should end the current fiscal year $75 million under budget - money that will immediately go towards plugging a budget deficit that starts July 1. Read more.

The Globe has the details - starts with a 10-cent increase for a single subway ride.

As it now does at the end of every year, the MBTA is warning it will have to cut service and raise fares without action by the legislature to give it more money for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

The Globe reports the T is halting the sale of 12-ride punch tickets good for six months because too many people were managing to get extra rides out of them. They'll be replaced with 10-ride tickets good for just a month.

The MBTA said today savings in everything from group insurance to electricity purchases mean fares will go up an average of 23% come July 1, rather than the far higher increases originally forecast.

However, the T is also counting on $51 million in savings that would require legislative approval, including $4 million in tort reform.

Although most riders will be spared the deep cuts initially proposed, the T said it will eliminate weekend service on the E line past Brigham Circle and on the Needham, Kingston/Plymouth and Greenbush commuter-rail lines. Eliminated entirely: The 48 Jamaica Plain Loop bus.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is releasing a report today that says proposed massive cuts in T service and fare hikes would drive more people to cars, which in turn would lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in new health-care costs as drivers crash, die and gain weight. Mariana Arcaya, MAPC public health manager says:

The T Riders Union organized a pack of superheroes to fight evil service cuts and fare hikes at an MBTA hearing in Somerville.

Copyright Rob Bellinger. Posted in the Universal Hub pool on Flickr.