Mass. DOT: MBTA service cuts unlikely

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Secretary of Transportation Richard A. Davey says subway, bus and rail commuters should brace for steep fare increases, but extensive cuts in service are less likely.

The Boston Globe reported Sunday that Davey said in an interview his agency is seeking revenue from other sources to avoid drastic service reductions. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is closing in on a deadline to erase a projected deficit of $161 million.

Davey said the MBTA is trying to pursue legal settlements, scour its real estate portfolio for surplus holdings and find other ways to avoid big fare increases.

Davey said he's heard from many customers that they'd rather pay a little more than see reduced services.

MBTA proposed in January that public transit riders would face fare hikes as high as 43 percent and service cuts.