advertisement

---

Last week, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) presented a proposed $1.6 billion fiscal-year 2010 budget to its board.

The budget includes a $160 million deficit — the highest in MBTA's history — due in large part to declining sales tax revenue and increased operating expenses. To overcome the shortfall, the authority is hoping to obtain an additional dedicated revenue source from the commonwealth. MBTA officials are working with the commonwealth's administration and legislature on Transportation Reform and Revenue bills, which currently are under consideration. However, officials are developing contingency plans that call for fare increases and service cuts if sufficient dedicated revenues are not approved.

For more details on the MBTA budget, follow this link.